This means that water absorbency and the soil’s ability to hold water may not be very optimal. This then caused significant flooding
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) drew attention to high soil vulnerability in flood-affected areas in South Lampung District, Lampung Province.
“This means that water absorbency and the soil’s ability to hold water may not be very optimal. This then caused significant flooding,” BNPB’s Acting Head of Disaster Data, Information, and Communications Center, Abdul Muhari, stated here on Tuesday.
Muhari made this statement while referring to the report of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) that the coastal area of South Lampung has high sediment vulnerability.
With a fairly high rainfall intensity, of up to 300 mm, the impact of the South Lampung flooding was quite large and claimed four lives, as they were being dragged by the flood currents, Muhari noted.
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Hence, he pressed for independent anticipatory efforts to be taken during heavy rainfall in the area, especially in South Lampung.
The BNPB has coordinated with 514 districts and cities throughout the country in dealing with the early arrival of the rainy season. He deemed it urgent to prepare equipment and personnel to respond to and mitigate the disaster impacts when the threats are already visible.
Furthermore, under these conditions, tree planting or forest revitalization is a solution to the permanent problem of flooding, he suggested.
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However, when the threat of flooding is already near, all that can be done now is to prepare and establish emergency conditions.
“The people, the government, and TNI-Polri (Indonesian Military-National Police) must ensure (the preparation of) disaster-related personnel and equipment in districts and cities where floods often occur. Make sure there are (inflatable) boats and heavy equipment,” he emphasized.
According to BNPB, flooding in South Lampung occurred due to the cumulative impact of high rainfall that had been ongoing since October 24.
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