PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - All emergency handling of the Sumedang earthquake was in accordance with procedures and on time. This is because the joint team has anticipated and increased preparedness for the momentum of Christmas Day 2023 and New Year 2024.

This was stated by the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lt. Gen. TNI Suharyanto, when visiting the affected locations on Monday (1/1/2024), to ensure that the entire emergency management process could be carried out properly.

The Nataru Alert Post, as the term refers to the preparedness post for all Forkopimda elements, has been formed, so that when the M 4.8 Sumedang earthquake occurred, all disaster management components immediately acted quickly.

"We have actually been on full alert by establishing a Nataru Alert Post. "So when a disaster occurs like the one in Sumedang, the team immediately moves quickly," he said.

Suharyanto requested that all basic needs of affected residents be prioritized. Of course, this also requires a quick review so that implementation can be more structured, timely and on target.

"From the data collection, it will be possible to determine whether it should be repaired or moved because it is in a disaster-prone zone," he said.

According to Suharyanto, all affected residents who can no longer occupy their homes because they are damaged, the government will provide support in the form of Housing Waiting Funds (DTH). This fund of 500 thousand rupiah per month can be used to pay temporary rental costs until the recovery process is carried out.

"Houses with moderate, light or heavy damage will later be repaired or shifted (moved)," said Suharyanto.

“Immediately informed. "Otherwise, the slower the data comes in, the slower the repairs will be carried out," he added.

On that occasion, Suharyanto also handed over Ready-to-Use Funds (DSP) worth 350 million rupiah to support all emergency handling for seven days, according to the emergency response time period determined by the Regional Government of Sumedang Regency. A number of logistics and equipment were also provided, such as refugee tents, basic necessities and other food to meet initial needs.

"Initial support, we provided an amount of 350 million rupiah to meet the needs of affected residents this week, including for the operations of the team on duty," he said.

During the emergency response period, the BNPB team will also be deployed to assist in the establishment of command posts, including follow-up data collection and the rehabilitation and reconstruction process. In this case, the Head of BNPB requested that the emergency management and rehabilitation processes be carried out in parallel.

"Later BNPB will deploy a team to the command post, then will assist with rapid assessment assistance. "We agreed not to wait until the seven days were over but in parallel," he said.

The head of BNPB rejected the news that had circulated about the massive loss of life due to this earthquake, which could be seen from the large number of patients in the courtyard of the Sumedang Regional General Hospital (RSUD). Suharyanto said that the patients were temporarily evacuated from inside the building due to safety procedures. This does not mean the patient is an earthquake victim.

“That doesn't exist, right? In fact, those who were sick in the hospital inside were expelled. That's a procedure. "The Sumedang Regency Government has implemented it well," he said.

The head of BNPB also explained that the news that the Sumedang earthquake caused traffic problems on the Cisumdawu toll road after the Cisumdawu Twin Tunnel experienced cracks in the walls was incorrect information. In fact, the new toll road connecting Cileunyi and Kertajati is still safe for vehicles to pass.

"Then they said (the impact of the earthquake) disrupted the Cisumdawu toll road, that's also not true," he said.

Of these two phenomena, the Head of BNPB asked the public not to be influenced by news whose truth cannot be ascertained. As an anticipation, the Head of BNPB also asked the public to remain alert and increase preparedness. (no/ rdp*)