Batang Regency Government Prepared For Megathrust Earthquake Potential

Batang Regency Regional Secretary Officer Ari Yudianto (right) together with the Head of the Batang Regency Education Office Bambang Suryantoro. ANTARA/Kutnadi

The Batang Regency Government, Central Java, is preparing for a disaster, possibly a potential for a Megathrust earthquake in the local area by providing socialization to residents and preparing disaster infrastructure facilities. Batang Regency Regional Secretary Ari Yudianto said that although the potential for a Megathrust earthquake did not occur in the northern coastal area, the community still needed to increase awareness of the disaster. "Based on the information we received, the potential for the Megathrust earthquake only threatened areas located in the southern coastal area of Java. However, we urge residents to remain vigilant," he said in Batang, Antara, Thursday, September 5. According to him, until now his party has not received a circular from the Central Java Provincial Government regarding the threat of a Megathrust earthquake. However, for information, the Central Java Provincial Government has sent a circular regarding disaster mitigation to a number of districts/cities. "The move was taken following the potential for a Megathrust which is expected to trigger an earthquake and tsunami," he said. He said Circular Letter Number 360.0/2014 signed by the Regional Secretary of Central Java Province on August 28, 2024 was a follow-up to information submitted by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) regarding the Megathrust zone in Indonesia. The areas dealing directly with the Megathrust zone in Central Java, such as Cilacap, Kebumen, Purworejo, and Wonogiri Regencies. It is said that several appeals suggested through the circular include instructing all agencies and residents to be more prepared and anticipated of the possibility of a disaster due to a seismic gap, especially in the Megathrust zone, the southern coast of Central Java. Related agencies were also asked to re-check early warning tools, disaster communication systems, and ensure the availability of safe and disaster-free evacuation sites.

"In addition, ensuring the availability of information boards, signs, and adequate evacuation directions, especially for areas that have the potential for Megathrust," he said.