Residents Dismantled Independently, BNPB Tents for Cianjur Earthquake Victims Damaged

The demolition of the BNPB emergency tent that was damaged in Sirnaginalih Village, Cilaku District, Cianjur Regency, West Java, Saturday (31/12/2022). (Between/HO-BNPB)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) asked the victims of the Cianjur, West Java, earthquake to coordinate with the BNPB and the Cianjur BPBD when dismantling emergency tents.

"BNPB through the Deputy for Logistics and Equipment dismantled the Cianjur earthquake emergency tent which was damaged. From the results of a patrol by the BNPB Logistics and Equipment team, Saturday, December 31, two damaged tents were found in Sirnagalih Village, Cilaku District," said BNPB Tent Installation Instructor, Sutrisno, in Jakarta as quoted by Antara, Sunday.

According to him, two tents were found which were damaged allegedly because residents moved the tents independently, but there were several mistakes in reassembling them, which ultimately weakened the construction of the tents.

This had an impact when it rained heavily and strong winds on Thursday, December 29 night, which caused the tent to collapse. In several cases, it was found that some of the irons connecting the tent pegs were bent, broken, and split in two because they lost their ability to support the weight of the tent after being hit by heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.

The emergency tent in Kampung Ciajag, Sirnagalih Village, which previously functioned as MDTA and PAUD Nurul Barokah, also collapsed after being hit by strong winds on Thursday, December 29 night, and there were no casualties.

BNPB Tents Coordinator from the Deputy for Logistics and Equipment, Prastato Hendarsanto, encourages residents to always coordinate with the Cianjur BPBD or BNPB if they want to dismantle or move the tents so that there are no errors during installation.

Then those who experience damage to their tents like what happened in Sirnagalih Village should immediately report to the Cianjur BPBD or BNPB to get replacements or other solutions such as replacing tent components.

"We urge residents to report to the Cianjur BPBD or directly to us so they can immediately get a replacement for damaged tents or components when stock is available," said Prastato.