24 Subdistricts In Lebak Prone To Natural Disasters, BPBD Asks Citizens To Be Alert

Photo illustration: Antara

LEBAK - A total of 24 sub-districts in Lebak Regency, Banten Province are categorized as areas prone to landslides and floods, because the location is mountainous, hilly, and river flows.

"We are wary of landslides and floods due to the arrival of bad weather marked by heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds," said the Head of the Emergency and Logistics Section of the Lebak Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Agus Reza Faisal, in Lebak, Tuesday.

The 24 sub-districts that are prone to landslides and floods in Lebak Regency based on BPBD mapping are spread in Bayah, Cilograng, Cibeber, Panggarangan, Cihara, Wanasalam, Gunungkencana, Malingping, Cigemblong Banjarsari, Cileles, Cikulur, Warunggunung, Maja, Kalanganyar sub-districts, Lebakgedong, Bojongmanik, Sobang, Rangkasbitung, Muncang, Cipanas, Cimarga, Leuwidamar, and Curugbitung.

The landslide and flood areas are mostly located in mountains, hills, including the Mount Halimun Salak National Park (TNGH) area and rivers.

Mapping of areas prone to landslides and floods in order to reduce the risk of disaster so as not to cause casualties or substantial material damage.

Therefore, the Lebak BPBD issued a natural disaster alert warning in connection with the last few weeks of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning.

With the mapping, he said, the Lebak BPBD could carry out rescue efforts by optimizing socialization activities and distributing disaster officers and volunteers as well as delivering early warnings.

Even the landslides and floods that occurred on Sunday, October 9 in five sub-districts, resulted in 655 houses being submerged and 14 houses being heavily, moderately, and lightly damaged as well as six bridges being heavily damaged and 25 hectares of rice fields threatened with crop failure.

Luckily, the natural disaster did not cause any casualties.

"We ask residents who live in areas prone to natural disasters to increase their awareness of bad weather based on the BMKG until early 2023," he explained.

He said that the number of people living in areas prone to natural disasters reaches thousands of families and they are certain to experience landslides and floods every year.

Currently, rainfall tends to increase in the Lebak Regency area and has the potential to cause natural disasters.

"We have coordinated with other agencies as well as preparing volunteers to be prepared and alert for disasters in order to reduce disaster risks," he said.