Early Warning System Will Be Installed In 7 Marapi Rivers

The Regent of Tanah Datar Regency, Eka Putra, was interviewed in Tanah Datar. BETWEEN/Muhammad Zulfikar

TANAH DATAR - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) will install an early warning system (EWS), or an early warning system for seven rivers that originate from Mount Marapi, West Sumatra (West Sumatra). "After a meeting with BNPB, it was agreed to install an early warning system for flash floods or galodos on seven rivers that originate from Mount Marapi," said Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra in Tanah Datar Regency, Antara, Wednesday, May 22. Eka said that the early warning system would be installed in the areas of Padang Laweh, Lima Kaum, Desert, Sumpur, Jambu River, Parambahan, Tabek Ganggang, Simpang Manunggal, and Rambatan. Furthermore, BNPB will also install EWS in Labuahan, Simabur, Batu Basa, and Galogandang. Then sensors were also installed at the Pariangan Wali Nagari Office (village office), in Sawah Linggungan and Guguak Malalo. Currently, the Tanah Datar Regency government together with BNPB are intensifying socialization to the public regarding the installation of the early warning system. Eka Putra said that after the socialization was delivered to the public, BNPB together with local governments immediately installed an early warning system and sirens at a number of points that were considered vulnerable. The socialization of the installation of the flash flood early warning system is important to the public. The goal is for residents to know the steps and mitigation carried out if the system sends signals or signs of danger. Then, this socialization also aims for the community together to have awareness to maintain the equipment installed. This is because the regent is worried that there will be irresponsible parties who destroy the EWS or steal the tool. "What needs to be understood is that together we must protect this tool in order to avoid danger," he said.

Eka said that the installation of an early warning system and sirens on the seven rivers that originate from Mount Marapi entirely uses the BNPB budget.