5 Houses In Labuan Bajo Heavyly Damaged By Disasters, BPBD Prepares Relocation

The West Manggarai BPBD team, NTT conducted a field study of the disaster incident in Papagarang Village, Labuan Bajo, Tuesday (28/2/2023). (ANTAR)

As many as five houses in Papagarang, Labuan Bajo that were severely damaged due to heavy rains and strong winds. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of West Manggarai Regency, with the Social Service and the PUPR Service plan to relocate 7 affected families. "We have coordinated with the PUPR Office to provide temporary relocation and collect data on other affected victims," said Head of the West Manggarai BPBD Emergency and Logistics Division, Robert Gardi, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, March 1. Heavy rain and strong winds have damaged five houses inhabited by seven families, Sunday afternoon. Apart from five units, there were two damaged warehouse units as well. No casualties in the incident. Robert said West Manggarai BPBD had coordinated with the West Manggarai Social Service for emergency assistance in the form of eggs, noodles, rice, and clothing. The aid was distributed to the scene, Tuesday. The BPBD was then prepared a disaster emergency statement and a disaster emergency decree containing affected victim data. He further explained that his party was conducting thorough data related to the number of affected lives and the total loss due to the disaster. Based on BPBD West Manggarai data, there were 23 reports of disaster events during January-February 2023. These types of disasters include floods, landslides, tornadoes, tornadoes, and fires spread across 12 sub-districts within the West Manggarai region. West Manggarai BPBD Chief Executive, Oktavianus Andi Bonau, said the disaster prepared post had been alerted since early February 2023 to receive any kind of disaster reporting from the community. The post also became a means of coordination between parties for disaster management and disaster management efforts. "We opened 24 hours at the West Manggarai BPBD Office," said Oktavianus.

BMKG Komodo Labuan Bajo Meteorological Station actively provides weather information in the form of early warning and weather forecasts. BMKG also appealed to residents to be aware of the potential for heavy rain and strong winds for the next few days which could cause hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, landslides, and tornadoes.