PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Provincial Government through the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) moved quickly to help handle the impact of the earthquake in Bandung Regency and Garut Regency that occurred on Wednesday (18/9/2024).

After receiving a report regarding the earthquake, the West Java BPBD immediately sent a team to the location affected by the earthquake and brought disaster management logistics in the form of one chainsaw unit, one portable lamp unit, one generator unit, and one rotary saw unit.

In addition, the West Java BPBD also brought logistical assistance in the form of refugee tents, basic necessities, drinking water, and food to a number of locations.

A number of areas were affected by the 5.0 magnitude earthquake, starting from Pasirwangi District and Tarogong Kaler District in Garut Regency to Kertasari District in Bandung Regency.

Currently, the West Java BPBD is intensively coordinating and coordinating with the BPBD of the affected cities and districts where the earthquake tremors were felt.

Meanwhile, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari asked the public not to panic and to remain vigilant.

"Moreover, the potential for aftershocks still often occurs several times with a magnitude of 2-2.4. In addition, the public is also advised not to be provoked by issues that have not been verified. The public is asked to update disaster information only through sources from related agencies or institutions," said Abdul Muhari in his press release.

Fast Handling

In addition, a number of Bandung Regency residents were injured. Those who were seriously injured have received treatment at local medical facilities.

Abdul Muhari said, based on BNPB data on Wednesday (18/9) at 15.20 WIB, the total number of injured victims was 81 people in Bandung Regency and 1 person in Garut Regency.

In Bandung Regency, 23 people suffered serious injuries and 58 others suffered minor injuries. Those who were injured have received treatment at hospitals and health centers in Kertasari District.

Meanwhile, the number of affected families in Bandung Regency was reported to be 491 families and in Garut Regency as many as 209 families.

BNPB monitors the evacuation of residents in Bandung Regency totaling 450 people, some of whom are concentrated at the Kertasari Sub-district Office.

The number of affected houses in Bandung Regency was reported to be 491 units. In addition to residences, the impact on buildings in this area includes 5 health facilities, 9 education facilities, 2 government buildings, 18 public facilities and 27 places of worship.

Meanwhile, in Garut Regency, 209 houses, 7 educational facilities and 5 worship facilities were affected.

Local BPBD officers are still continuing to update the number of damages and the level of damage to the affected buildings that have been recorded.

BNPB continues to coordinate with BPBD regarding emergency response. BNPB's Rapid Response Team has moved to the disaster location to support the emergency response.