Earthquake Damages 1,231 Houses in Banten

Houses Damaged by Earthquake (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - At least 1,231 houses in three areas in Banten Province were damaged by an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 centered in Sumur, Pandeglang Regency, Friday, January 13.

The Banten Provincial Government is currently updating data collection in three locations affected by the earthquake, namely Lebak Regency, Pandeglang Regency, and several locations in Serang Regency. The Banten provincial government also handles emergencies.

Based on data collected by BPBD Banten in Serang, Saturday, January 15, until 10:00 western Indonesia time, there were no casualties from the earthquake. The number of damaged houses in the three areas was 1,231 units, with details of 226 heavily damaged, 290 moderately damaged, and 715 lightly damaged.

The damaged houses in Pandeglang Regency were 214 heavily damaged, 269 moderately damaged, and 617 lightly damaged spread over 28 sub-districts and 123 villages.

Meanwhile, in Lebak Regency, 12 houses were heavily damaged, 12 were moderately damaged and 98 were lightly damaged in 15 sub-districts and 32 villages. Meanwhile, in Serang Regency, there were 9 moderate damage spread over 3 sub-districts and 4 villages.

The Head of BPBD Banten Province, Nana Suryana, said that for those who were affected by the damage to their houses, they were still evacuating to their relatives who were not affected. "We haven't opened refugee camps yet, because people still choose to stay at their relatives' houses," said Nana as quoted by ANTARA.

Apart from damage to houses, the impact of the 6.6 magnitude earthquake also damaged a number of school buildings, service offices, and places of worship.

In Pandeglang Regency, there are 13 schools, 14 health centers, 4 religious facilities, 3 government offices, and one place of business that was damaged.

Meanwhile, for Lebak Regency, 5 schools were damaged, 2 public facilities and 1 village office. Meanwhile, in Serang Regency, no damage was found.

Nana said that in accordance with the instructions from the Governor of Banten after the earthquake, his party was asked to collect data on damaged houses and other facilities, as well as search for any casualties. "Thank God there were no fatalities, only 2 Lebak residents were lightly injured," he explained.

To ensure food needs for the earthquake-affected communities, Nana said that assistance had been distributed to Munjul District and now it will be re-distributed to Sumur District.

"Aside from us (Banten Provincial Government), there is also food assistance from the Regional Police and the Pandeglang District Social Service," he said.

If there are other parties who will provide food and other assistance, Nana said, they will be focused on their respective Forkopimcam. From there, you will be directed to the distribution process anywhere.

Unless the assistance has been withdrawn by the district, the coordinator is directly the regional head or regent. "Including if there are volunteers who want to help, the coordination will be with Forkopimcam," said Nana.

For the construction of public kitchens, he continued, the BPBD of Banten Province did not immediately establish it, considering the situation at the location was still quite under control. However, it is possible that his party will establish a public kitchen.