Vice President Ma’ruf Amin called on the East Java provincial authority to conceive a relocation plan for residents, whose houses were damaged in the recent Semeru eruption.

The vice president had received reports and testimonials presented by East Java and Lumajang district government officials, the regional disaster mitigation agency, and residents affected by the eruption during a teleconference from Surabaya on Thursday.

“I instruct regional authorities and the disaster mitigation agency to collaborate in conceiving spatial planning for the Mount Semeru region, with the disaster risk factor to be considered during the planning,” Amin remarked during the teleconference.

The vice president also urged the authority to relocate residents living within the disaster zone to a safer area, and if not possible, then organize intensive dissemination of disaster mitigation information to the residents.

“If relocation is not possible, the regional government and local disaster mitigation agency must be intensive in improving the disaster response skills among residents and also enhancing refuge shelter accessibility and capacity,” the vice president remarked.

Amin reminded the authority to install early warning system equipment at vulnerable areas within the disaster zone that will be active during earthquake or eruption events and sounding alarms for residents to immediately seek shelter at a safe area.

“The authority must also provide daily information about the volcanic activity to ensure residents’ awareness and reduce the possibility of casualties when the disaster strikes,” the vice president noted.

Amin also urged the East Java authority to ensure prompt disaster response in the event of aftershocks and eruptions recurring in Mount Semeru.

“You must show the residents that you are caring and have empathy for them. Your presence will convince them that the government is always present whenever they need to help in the disaster recovery process,” Amin stated.

Source: Antara News