BPBD: Bekasi Regency With Hydrometeorological Disaster Preparedness Status, Personnel ALERt 24 Hours

The Head of the Bekasi Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency, West Java, Muchlis. (PHOTO ANTARA/Pradita Kurniawan Syah).

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bekasi Regency, West Java announced that its territory is still in a hydrometeorological disaster alert status, at least in the next week. "According to information from the BMKG weather forecast, maybe until tomorrow (Friday) but if we look at the trend, the next week will still be the same as this. What is clear is that we are indeed on standby for the hydrometeorological disaster now," said Head of BPBD Bekasi Regency Muchlis in Cikarang, Antara, Thursday, January 5. His party appealed to all residents of Bekasi Regency to remain alert, especially for residents who live in disaster-prone points. A number of personnel remain on standby to minimize the impact of the disaster. "Our personnel are on 24-hour pickets including equipment readiness. We also communicate with colleagues in the field, including village officials, sub-districts, Destana, FPRB, and other volunteer colleagues," he said. BPBD Bekasi Regency also continues to handle disaster victims by sending logistical assistance to residents affected by tidal flooding in three areas, namely Muaragembong, Babelan, and Tarumajaya sub-districts. "We have also provided logistical assistance, bamboo and sacks that we sent a few days ago. Because the handling of this tidal wave must be extra, plus high rainfall, so we hope that the people there will be more vigilant, there are fellow volunteers who are ready to help if the water rises again," he said. According to him, in general, the equipment needed for disaster emergencies has also been alerted. Several rubber boats are already in flood-prone locations to speed up the evacuation process if needed. The Bekasi Regency Government also continues to do its best to be able to minimize disaster risk, either through providing basic and logistical material assistance or disaster management. "We all certainly hope that there will be no disaster in our area, but if it does, we are really ready," said Muchlis.