625 Houses In West Sumatra Damaged By Flash Floods And Cold Lahar, Jokowi: If Must Be Relocated, Central Government Is Ready

President Joko Widodo inspected the location of the cold lava flash flood disaster in Bakik Batabuah Village, Canduang District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, Tuesday (21/5). (Between/Altas Maulana).

PADANG - President Joko Widodo emphasized that the government is ready to assist in the relocation process of hundreds of residents affected by the flash flood and cold lava disasters in West Sumatra (West Sumatra). "There are 625 houses in West Sumatra that were damaged, 159 of which were heavily damaged. All of them have been recorded. If they have to be relocated, the central government is ready, I have ordered the Ministry of PUPR to start immediately, because the materials for the construction are ready," Jokowi said while visiting the disaster site and evacuation tents. residents in Agam Regency, reported by Antara, Tuesday, May 21. He said the relocation process must first be mutually agreed upon between residents and the local government for the approved location. "Earlier, the governor and regent had prepared the land, so that immediately there was a location arrangement for relocation," he said. The President said that around 100 residents had approved the relocation, both in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar and several other areas affected by the West Sumatra flood disaster. "It is impossible for us to allow those on the dangerous route to rebuild. It is very dangerous, so it must be relocated. Of the 159 there are 100 who have agreed to relocate, the rest are still in process," said Jokowi. The President directed that disaster management continue, especially the evacuation of victims who have not been found. "These points regarding the evacuation, regarding the victims who have not been found, they should be tried, as well as the daily logistical problems of the refugees, I also see that they are still good, enough for the next three weeks," he said. According to him, disaster management has been good, starting from the evacuation and handling of refugees as well as the process of repairing roads and emergency bridges.

"For the cold lava flow after being calculated by the Ministry of PUPR, it is necessary for detention buildings, slowdown and control of the lava flow or Sabo dam 56. There are only two currently available, so there are a lot of additional needs. I ordered starting this year too. especially in strategic locations," said President Jokowi.