If Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupts, what kind of coordination will BPBD do?

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Agam Regency, West Sumatra, is holding a disaster simulation for the eruption of Mount Marapi in Nagari Lasi, Canduang District.

The simulation was opened directly by the Regent of Agam, Andri Warman, and involved many agencies such as Satpol PP Damkar, Social Service, Health Office, Transportation Agency, Indonesia Army (TNI), National Police, Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Indonesian Inter-Inhabitation Radio (RAPI), Disaster Preparedness Village (KSB) to sub-district and Nagari governments.

The Head of BPBD Agam, Bambang Warsito, said that the simulation was carried out in anticipation of the Mount Marapi disaster occurring.

"There are five sub-districts in Agam that are threatened if an eruption occurs, so we are focusing on the simulation here as anticipation", said Bambang Warsito as quoted from Antara, Thursday, December 22.

The five districts are Ampek Angkek, Canduang, Baso, Banuhampu, and Sungai Pua.

In the scenario simulation, the Marapi eruption resulted in 44 people dying, 1,167 refugees, 64 seriously injured, and 31 missing.

In addition, this disaster also resulted in tens of hectares of agricultural land being damaged, and efforts were focused on establishing posts to accommodate refugees or disaster emergency response.

The simulation focuses on inter-agency coordination efforts in evacuating dead and injured victims.

"We don't want this disaster to happen, but we must be prepared if it does happen, currently Mount Merapi is on Alert Level II", said Bambang Warsito.

The Regent of Agam, Andri Warman said that disaster simulation activities could maximize efforts to reduce or minimize the possibility of a disaster risk that would occur.

"Hopefully it can add and deepen understanding to be more focused and have a high commitment in disaster management as well as exchanging experiences, sharing information, strengthening friendship and being able to improve coordination, and strengthen our vision and mission in disaster management", said the Regent.