Risma Distributes Aid To Flood-Affected Residents In Magetan Worth IDR 53.4 Billion

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Social Minister Tri Rismaharini distributed aid for residents affected by the flood disaster that occurred in Ngunut Village, Magetan Regency, East Java, worth tens of millions of rupiah.

"On behalf of the central government, we express our deep sorrow to the affected people. It is hoped that the community will remain patient, continue to pray, and their condition will recover as soon as before", said Social Minister Risma during her visit to Magetan, Friday evening.

The logistical assistance of the Ministry of Social Affairs which was distributed was in the form of 240 packages of instant food, 114 packages of children's food, 100 packages of mattresses, with a total value of IDR 53,438,334.

In addition to distributing aid for affected residents, Risma and her entourage also observed the location of the bridge that was cut off due to the floods that hit last March in Ngunut Village, Kawedanan District.

To reduce the further impact of the flood and the breaking of the bridge, the Minister of Social Affairs suggested that the river cliffs be strengthened with gabions.

"Earlier I suggested using gabions, which can reduce soil friction, rather than using site piles. The gabions follow the soil structure. Because the soil structure is weak so that water is eroded", she said at the location of the broken bridge.

She explained that in ancient times, parents used to use bamboo sticks for the posts. This is done with the consideration of anticipating a weak soil structure.

"But this is only a suggestion. Later, please study it more deeply by involving the public works office and other related parties", he said.

According to the data, the bridge repair plan will be carried out as soon as possible. Where the initial step is to install gabions on the edge of the river.

Meanwhile, during her visit to Ngunut Village, Social Minister Risma was accompanied by the Regent of Magetan Suprawoto and the Forkompinda staff of Magetan Regency.

Floods in Magetan Regency occurred on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. About seven villages in three sub-districts, namely Kawedanan, Ngariboyo, and Parang, were affected by the disaster.

Apart from destroying several public facilities, the flood also cut off three bridges, namely two bridges between villages and one bridge between sub-districts and regencies. The worst damage was a bridge in Ngunut Village, Kawedanan, which is a bridge connecting districts, namely Magetan and Ponorogo.