The Yogyakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) ensures the agency’s logistical supplies for handling disaster emergencies are sufficient till the year-end, including readiness of the rapid reaction team personnel on standby round the clock.

“We provide tarpaulins, sacks, and food logistics for handling disaster emergencies. The number is estimated to be sufficient until the end of the year,” the agency’s sub-coordinator for emergency and logistics  Singgih Purnomo  said here, Tuesday.

According to Purnomo, logistics for handling emergency incidents will be distributed directly to disaster locations or to communities affected by the disaster.

For instance, in early October, the Yogyakarta BNPB distributed logistics in the form of tarpaulins and sacks to Tegalrejo Sub-district that was affected by river bank landslides.

“When an incident occurs, we will carry out an assessment of logistical needs and then distribute it as temporary assistance according to results of the assessment,” Purnomo remarked.

For landslide handling, tarpaulins and sacks are required that will be filled with sand to anticipate further landslides.

“Especially for sacks, we only provide sack assistance. The community must provide the sand by themselves,” he added.

Moreover, his side will provide food logistics for residents in need of evacuation.

Meanwhile, the Head of Yogyakarta BPBD, Nur Hidayat, reminded the community to increase awareness of various potential disasters during the rainy season. Especially this week, heavy rains are forecast to occur in the city.

Alertness to potential disasters includes the potential of river overflowing, puddles, landslides, fallen trees, and strong winds.

Communication with the Disaster Resilient Village (KTB) regarding changes in weather conditions based on information from the BMKG is still conducted as one of the routine hydrometeorological disaster awareness efforts, he stated.

“There is no special preparation because everything has been running according to the applicable operational standards. Likewise (is the case) with disaster mitigation and preparing the community to be vigilant of various potential disasters,” Hidayat added.

Source: Antara News