By “It is paramount for the BNPB to cooperate with BPBDs (regional disaster mitigation agencies) as well as governments of Agam and Tanah Datar districts to immediately evacuate the victims,” Amin remarked on the sidelines of a governmental event in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Wednesday.
He also firmly prohibited people from climbing locations currently deemed as being hazardous while noting that Mount Marapi, located within Agam and Tanah Datar administrative areas, is one of the most active volcanoes on Sumatra Island.
The vice president then pushed BPBDs of Agam and Tanah Datar to coordinate with the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) to tighten monitoring to ensure that warnings will be broadcast prior to potential disasters.
Amin made the statement in response to reports pertaining to the recurring stealing of detection tools at the Marapi Volcano Monitoring Station.
“I learned that some (tools) were stolen, so it is necessary to tighten the monitoring. It is crucial to deal with this kind of problem to prevent hikers from climbing during dangerous situations,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian said he would soon hold a meeting with all regional leaders to boost regional responsiveness to potential threats of disasters.
“We will evaluate the early warning systems and devise measures from protecting detection tools from theft, including by cooperating with the police and those managing conservation areas,” he remarked.
Apart from early warning systems, he underscored the need for all regions to take a cue from West Sumatra in conducting simulations aimed at augmenting disaster responsiveness.
“Every region has to carry out drills in the hopes of bolstering responsiveness to disasters. That way, regions will have plans prepared for facing unwanted events,” Karnavian pointed out.
As of Tuesday (December 5), at 8:22 p.m. local time, the eruption of Mount Marapi has claimed a total of 23 lives, according to the West Sumatra Regional Police. Of the 23 victims, 11 have been identified by the police’s Disaster Victim Identification Team.
A search and rescue process involving a joint team is still underway.
Based on a report from BNPB, the volcano has erupted 46 times as per Tuesday morning.
The latest eruption, with a maximum amplitude of 25.1 mm and duration of 80 seconds, was recorded on Tuesday at 6:24 a.m. local time. The volcano, with a height of 2,981 meters above sea level, is still on alert status.
BPBDs of Agam and Tanah Datar, along with a joint team, have continued to monitor the developments of the situation in the hopes of providing quick actions for locals in the event of more disastrous volcanic activities.
People residing in the vicinity of the volcano have been advised against conducting any activities within three kilometers from the peak of the mountain.
The government has encouraged people inhabiting the four sub-districts closest to the danger zones to limit outdoor activities. They have also been urged to wear masks if they need to venture outdoors.
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