TEMPO.CO, Bima - Flash floods are estimated to have caused Rp984.4 billion in damage in Bima. The emergency response plan is currently centered around relief distribution and cleaning efforts. “Measures to clean mountains of waste have been carried out by the military personnel, local police, and BPBD [Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency],” Bima Disaster Mitigation Agency chief Salafudin said yesterday, December 26.

A joint meeting led by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) chief Willem Rampangilei arrived at the estimated figure on Sunday night in Bima.

According to Willem, the agency has allocated Rp3.4 billion for post-disaster logistics. In addition, the BNPB will also help local governments to meet budget, equipment and managerial requirements. “Post-flooding measures to help victims are in line with President Joko Widodo’s instruction to meet the basic needs and handle displaced persons as best possible,” Willem said.

Latest reconciled data indicate that the disaster has affected 105,000 people. Some 8,491 of them are currently housed at 30 shelters in four sub-districts. Moreover, hundreds of structures have been damaged, such as health, education facilities, roads, bridges, drinking water infrastructure, business premises and waste treatment facilities. Half of a total 2,247 hectares of paddy field in Bima have also been damaged.

Local government and the BNPB have planned to establish communication with cross-sector ministries to discuss reconstruction and rehabilitation measures on broken infrastructure. School building rehabilitation, for example, will be discussed with Education and Culture Ministry. As for reconstruction of damaged public facility, such as roads and bridges, they will engage Public Works and Public Housing Ministry.

To anticipate and mitigate future disasters, they have agreed to normalize river, better manage drainages and improve spatial planning.

GHOIDA RAHMAH | SUPRIYANTHO KHAFID | AKHYAR M. NUR