BNPB Warns of Hydrometeorological Disasters Ahead of Rain Season

Photo by: Cabinet Secretariat Documentation

Ahead of the peak of the rainy season in January to February 2021, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has urged the public to be more vigilant and prepared for potential hydrometeorological disasters.

“Do prepare yourself and your family from early on by starting to identify risks around you,” BNPB Head of Data Information and Communication Center for Disaster Raditya Jati said in a press statement, Saturday (12/12).

According to the BNPB record as of 11 December 2020, the total number of disaster has so far reached 2,779 incidents with hydrometeorological disasters being the most frequent (1,015), followed by tornadoes (842), landslides (535), and drought (29).

Quoting weather prediction of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Raditya said the effect of La Nina would cause higher intensity rain than usual so he urged the public to remain aware of potential floods, flash floods, and landslides that may occurr.

The BNPB also urged the public to make readiness efforts, especially at the family level.

“Through the InaRISK personal app, we can see the threat of disasters around us and we can discuss that with our family members on how to deal with it,” he added.

Raditya also urged the public to continue to implement health protocols strictly at the evacuation moment and in evacuation shelter, adding that the BNPB has delivered preparedness directions to all Regional Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBD) in all provinces.

The BNPB also called on local governments to coordinate periodically with relevant agencies and officials in their respective area as well as monitor information on weather early warning and potential disasters through the BMKG, the National Aeronautics and Space Institute (Lapan), and the BNPB websites so the information can be disseminated to the public through electronic and social media. (PR of BNPB/UN) (GWH/EP)