BNPB Reminds Of The Threat Of 700 Thousand Cubic Meters Of Volcanic Volcanic Materials

A number of residents stood around the riverbanks after the cold lava flood that hit Agam Regency, West Sumatra. (ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar).

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) warned that there are around 700 thousand cubic meters of volcanic material around Mount Marapi which has the potential to pose a further threat after the cold lava flood. "Currently there are still around 700 thousand cubic meters of volcanic material after the eruption of Mount Marapi that needs to be watched out for," said Director of Disaster Mapping and Evaluation of BNPB Udrekh in Padang, Antara, Monday, June 10. To anticipate the threat of volcanic material, BNPB emphasized that the installation of an early Warning System (EWS) in the Mount Marapi area is important to be carried out immediately. "The installation of early warning instruments is very important to anticipate potential that will still occur in affected areas," he said. He explained that the early warning system would integrate weather information, information on volcanic activity, vibrational information, and weather sensors. These various information provide recommendations to stakeholders as a form of preparedness and mitigation measures for potential impacts of disasters. BNPB together with the West Sumatra BPBD team and support will conduct a survey as an initial step in installing early warning tools. BNPB has also obtained data and spatial information on post-cold lava disasters. "This will help the team to determine the point of the device as part of the early warning system," he said.

Udrekh emphasized that the implementation of the early warning system cannot only be limited to technological devices or facilities. However, it also requires socialization, including education, especially for people living around Mount Marapi. This is intended so that residents understand and take early action when they hear the sound of early warning sirens. In addition, after receiving socialization, the community is also encouraged to take care of EWS.