Landslides Hit Mamuju, BNPB Reminds To Stay Alert For Hydrometeorological Disasters Despite The Dry Season

BNPB when holding equipment readiness to support disaster management. (Between)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has asked the public to remain alert to the potential for wet hydrometeorological disasters in the form of strong winds, floods and landslides. "People are asked to remain alert to the threat of wet hydrometeorological disasters, even though most parts of central Indonesia to the west have entered the dry season," said the Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari in a written statement, Friday, June 23, which was confiscated by Antara.

Abdul said, to deal with various disaster threats, the community is expected to have family preparedness plans and always monitor weather forecasts from the authorized institution. This was conveyed by BNPB following a flood and landslide disaster that occurred in the Mamuju Regency area, West Sulawesi Province (Sulbar) on Thursday, June 22.

Floods and landslides resulted in access to transportation in two hamlets of Mamuju Regency being closed and only two-wheeled vehicles could pass.

The affected hamlets are Saluleang and Salu Palli hamlets in Salleto Village, Simboro District.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) also reported 109 families or 439 people affected by the disaster, while the identified damage included five heavily damaged housing units, two moderately damaged units, and 100 lightly damaged units. "Seeing the BNPB's inaRISK study, as many as 10 sub-districts in Mamuju Regency have potential flood hazards with moderate to high categories. Two areas affected by flooding include areas with these potentials," said Abdul Muhari. Meanwhile, based on the weather early warning of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), as of Saturday, June 24, the West Sulawesi region still has the potential for strong winds.

Facing this potential, BNPB asked people in Mamuju Regency and its surroundings to increase their vigilance.