In The Last 6 Months, Disaster Losses In Sukabumi Reaches IDR 3.7 Billion

Sukabumi City PMI personnel while monitoring the location of the flood at Jembatan Merah, Baros District, Sukabumi City, West Java some time ago. (ANTARA)

SUKABUMI - The Disaster Data Electronic Information System (Siedan) of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Sukabumi City recorded losses due to disasters that occurred in Sukabumi City, West Java, in the first half of 2023 reached Rp3.7 billion. "The value of the loss came from 73 disasters from January to June 2023," said Head of the Prevention and Preparedness Section of the Sukabumi City BPBD Zulkarnain Barhami, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 25. The largest contributor to the landslide disaster with a loss value of up to Rp1.6 billion, then a fire of Rp1.29 billion, extreme weather of Rp533.5 million, floods of Rp208.3 million, and a tornado of Rp30 million. In terms of the number of disasters for landslides as many as 26 cases, extreme weather of 20 cases, floods of 14 cases, floods of eight cases, and tornadoes of five cases. Meanwhile, for buildings damaged by the impact of the disaster as many as 118 units with details of six units were heavily damaged, 20 units were moderately damaged, and 82 units were lightly damaged. Although there were no victims of death, but 46 people were affected where seven people, including suffered minor injuries and one person were seriously injured. Then for the frequency of disasters each month, January one incident, March 16 events, March 25 events, May 10 events, May 11 events, and June 10 events. Furthermore, for the highest number of cases of disaster events, namely in Cikole District 17 events, Citamiang District 14 events, Gunungpuyuh District 12 events. Then the District of Baros 11 events, Warudoyong District nine incidents, Cibeureum District two events, and finally Lemburs District there were eight events. "In July, we predict the occurrence of disasters in Sukabumi City is relatively gentle or small, because from the beginning of the month to the last week, it rarely rains. However, what is observed in this month is the impact of El Nino which could trigger the occurrence of drought and clean water difficulties. Although currently there are no residents affected by such natural phenomena," he added.

However, Zulkarnain appealed to residents to remain vigilant in order to minimize the impact of both property and soul because disasters cannot be predicted when and where they occur. On the other hand, facing the peak of El Nino which is predicted to occur from August to September 2023 according to the forecasts of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), residents are advised to use adequate water, always protect their sources or springs, and carry out rain harvest for water reserves because until now the rain is still falling, although it is only drizzling.