TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Batang Regency and Pekalongan City, Central Java, on Sunday, July 7, causing damage across several districts. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported widespread damage in Batang Regency, particularly in Batang District, Warungasem District, and Wonotunggal District. Some houses in East Pekalongan District were also affected.

According to Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, the most extensive damage occurred in eight villages and sub-districts within Batang District.

“The quake also impacted eight government offices, 15 educational facilities, 5 places of worship, and one traditional market,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday, July 9.

As of 9 p.m. Monday, the BNPB confirmed 240 damaged houses: 14 severely damaged, 34 moderately damaged, and 192 with minor damage. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. However, 13 residents sustained minor injuries.

Emergency Status Declared

Muhari reported that the Batang Regency Government, in collaboration with the Central Java Provincial Government, convened a coordination meeting on July 8. The meeting resulted in the declaration of a one-week state of emergency.

“This status is followed up by the activation of a command post or a quake disaster emergency response post,” he remarked.

On Monday, joint teams comprised of officials and community members focused on clearing debris in three sub-districts. Today, officers focused on distributing food and non-food aid to affected residents and healthcare facilities.

Muhari highlighted that a joint team is preparing a post-disaster needs assessment as part of the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. “The team will also conduct an assessment to verify and validate the reported building damage,” he concluded.

IRSYAN HASYIM

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