President Jokowi Orders Quick Response to Cold Lava Flow in W. Sumatra
President Jokowi delivers a statement after inspecting Konawe hospital’s Regional Public Service Agency in Konawe regency, Southeast Sulawesi province, Tuesday (05/14) (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Vico)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo stated that he has taken proactive measures following cold lava flow in West Sumatra province.
The President said he had ordered Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to inspect the affected area immediately to ensure disaster relief and recovery efforts.
“I have been thoroughly monitoring the updated situation of the floods in Tanah Datar regency, West Sumatra province. I have ordered Head of the BNPB to inspect the affected area and he has already arrived,” President Jokowi said after inspecting Konawe hospital’s Regional Public Service Agency in Konawe regency, Southeast Sulawesi province, Tuesday (05/14).
President Jokowi also said that he would like to inspect the affected area, but he still waits for the right ime considering the disaster had caused damage to some infrastructure.
“When the timing is right, I will inspect West Sumatra province to provide assistance and solutions for disaster-affected residents,” the President added.
For the record, cold lava flow and flash floods hit West Sumatra province on Saturday night (05/11). It was caused by heavy rainfall in the upper area of Mount Marapi. Four regencies were severely affected by this disaster, including Agam regency, Tanah Datar regency, Padang Panjang city, and Padang Pariaman regency.
According to BNPB’s statement as of May 14, 2024, at 06:35 Western Indonesia Time, this disaster killed at least 50 people (two in Padang Panjang city, 20 in Agam regency, 19 in Tanah Datar regency, one in padang city, and 8 in Padang Pariaman regency), left another 27 people, 37 injured, and 3,396 people displaced.
“The data will continue to be updated. To help search for the missing, heavy equipment must be available as quickly as possible considering that the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has a golden time of 6×24 hours [to evacuate]. We will continue to search until we find the victims,” BNPB Head Suharyanto said. (BPMI SETPRES/AIT) (AP/MMB)
