Bengkulu (ANTARA) – The Bengkulu city government has asked Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) for two additional tsunami warning sirens this year to strengthen disaster preparedness in the coastal area.
The request aims to strengthen disaster mitigation, particularly in coastal areas of Bengkulu that could be affected by a tsunami.
“The proposal has been submitted. We are now waiting for BNPB’s response and hope it can be approved,” Bengkulu BPBD Chief I Made Ardana said here Thursday.
The sirens are planned for Lempuing Village in Ratu Agung Subdistrict and Teluk Sepang Village in Kampung Melayu Subdistrict, both along the coast.
Warning sirens are an important tool for improving public preparedness, particularly in tsunami-prone areas, Ardana said.
With an adequate warning system, residents can receive information about potential tsunami threats sooner, giving them more time to evacuate, he said.
Meanwhile, the Bengkulu city government is also strengthening disaster preparedness by improving the capacity of administrative officials at the village level.
Bengkulu Mayor Dedy Wahyudi said the city has several disaster-prone areas, requiring government agencies and residents to remain prepared at all times.
“We are in a disaster-prone area, so we must always be prepared. We do not expect disasters, but when they come, we must be ready to evacuate and at least reduce casualties,” he said.
Residents and government officials therefore need the knowledge and skills to take appropriate safety measures during disasters, Wahyudi said.
Education and drills are essential to building preparedness. Wahyudi said he hoped the BPBD would expand disaster simulations in 2027, including exercises at schools and in communities.
School drills can teach children what to do during earthquakes and other disasters, while regular exercises can help residents avoid panic during emergencies, he said.
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Translator: Anggi M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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