West Java Prone to Earthquakes; BMKG Asks Public to Adapt, Proactive in Disaster Mitigation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Garut Regency, West Java, the head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati, highlighted the region's history of frequent earthquakes dating back to 1844 in areas like Garut, Cianjur, Tasikmalaya, Pangandaran, and Sukabumi. The intensity of seismic activity is quite high, with the potential for multiple earthquakes to occur within a single year.

"West Java is prone to earthquakes, so further tremors will definitely happen again, potentially several times a year, and the year after that," Karnawati said in a press release on Tuesday, April 30.

Therefore, she emphasized the importance of disaster awareness, earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts, such as adjusting building construction, rather than relocation. She also advised residents to prepare emergency response plans and take proactive measures to adapt to living in a seismically active zone, emphasizing that with proper preparation, communities can better protect themselves from earthquake impacts.

At the same occasion, Dwikorita said that the data collected by BMKG suggested potential rain with light to heavy intensities in West Java. She expressed concerns about the potential dire impact of extreme weather, especially in mountainous areas like Garut and Cianjur.

She said that the fragile slopes in these areas are susceptible to soil liquefaction due to rainwater saturation, particularly after an earthquake, which can lead to potential landslides and the formation of natural dams in river valleys.

IRSYAN HASYIM (CONTRIBUTOR)

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