BMKG Intensifies Disaster Literacy Classes in Disaster-Prone Regions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati confirmed that the agency will intensify earthquake and tsunami field school (SLG) at disaster-prone regions. This measure is taken to anticipate the possibility of a megathrust in the south of Java, likely to cause tsunamis and earthquakes. 

"It's true," Dwikorita answered briefly when called by Tempo today. 

In a press release received by Tempo, BMKG mentioned that disaster literacy through SLGs is intended to minimize the risk of quakes and tsunamis. "SLG Is our strategy to realize the zero victim plan in the earthquake-and-tsunami-prone regions by suppressing the risk potential," she said during an SLG in Kebumen, Central Java, last Saturday.

Additionally, SLG is a necessity in this disruption era that caused anxiety among the public. Thus, she is hoping for cooperation to develop a Penta-helix disaster literacy involving the government, experts, academicians, the public, and mass media. 

"A strong collaboration will accelerate the distribution of disaster knowledge," she said. 

Dwikortita asked the regional governments along the south of Java to improve the disaster response against earthquakes and tsunamis, including repairing the evacuation route to anticipate the worst scenarios. One of these regions is Kebumen Regency. 

According to BMKG, Kebumen is at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis caused by the maximum potential of 8.7-magnitude megathrust. Megathrust is projected to cause 14 to 18 meters of waves in Kebumen regency, arriving at the coastlines with a 38 to 46-minute window. 

"[Megathrust] will have strong to very strong vibrations, causing medium to heavy damages," she said.

BMKG held an SLG in Banjarnegra, Central Java, from September 30 to October 1, participated by various stakeholders, from the regional government, law enforcement personnel, volunteers, and the general public.

ADIL AL HASAN

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