BNPB Has Reminded Of The Threat Of A Large-Scale Earthquake In West Sulawesi In 2019

A number of heavy equipment clears the rubble of the West Sulawesi governor's office building, Mamuju, West Sulawesi, Wednesday, January 20.

JAKARTA - Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo stated that the potential for large-scale earthquakes in West Sulawesi Province (Sulbar) had been reminded in 2019.

"However, we do not know when the earthquake will occur," he said in a coordination meeting for the post-disaster management of West Sulawesi with various parties at the Joint Secretariat of the Volunteer Desk in Mamuju Regency, reported by Antara, Thursday, January 21.

Therefore, he reminded and appealed to the people living in West Sulawesi to always be alert and prepared if at any time the earthquake occurred.

Doni mentioned mitigation efforts that must be done by the community, one of which is not being around or inside a building that cannot withstand earthquake shocks.

"Do not be in or live in a building with such conditions. To find out the condition of the building, experts need to be able to assess the strength of the building," he said.

He stated that all regions in Indonesia have the potential to be hit by earthquakes ranging from small to large scales, except for the island of Kalimantan.

In addition, he asked all volunteers from various humanitarian organizations or foundations as well as from local government agencies in Indonesia who were involved in assisting post-disaster management in West Sulawesi to always be careful with the threat of exposure to COVID-19.

"We brought 500 thousand masks for the volunteers. I ask for the help of these masks not to be stored and not distributed," he said.