PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. BOGOR - An earthquake measuring 4.3 magnitude struck Purwabakti Village, Pamijahan District, Bogor Regency, West Java. Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin visited the locations affected by the earthquake while providing encouragement and assistance to the community.

Bey carried out direct visits to victims of natural disasters, especially in four villages in the village, as well as helping to facilitate the construction of public kitchens, toilets and toilets (MCK).

"Thank God, Bogor Regency is very responsive in handling this disaster, that is what we must show as a commitment to provide the best service for the community," said Bey, Saturday, (9/12/2023).

Bey also invited all communities and stakeholders to focus on efforts to anticipate natural disasters. "We remind the public to remain alert and careful, because there were still aftershocks which increased the number of refugees in emergency tents. I urge the public to remain calm, but to increase their vigilance, especially in this rainy season," said Bey.

This quick response shows the West Java Provincial Government's preparedness in facing natural disasters. Anticipations are then prepared, so that all parties can face the potential for unpredictable disasters.

"We are here to show that the West Java Provincial Government is present and paying attention to disasters in the region, because we care about the safety of the people of Bogor," he said

Meanwhile, BNPB Emergency Management Deputy Major General TNI Fajar Setyawan Fajar said that BNPB had also sent refugee tents and logistics.

The most important thing that must be done immediately, said Fajar, is educating residents who live on mountain slopes which are prone to landslides during heavy rains so that they can protect themselves.

The Bogor Regency Regional Government is still reviewing whether the residents in Pamijahan will be relocated considering the level of vulnerability and that the residents' residences actually stand on PTPN land with use rights status.

Also present at the review were West Java Province BPBD Chief Executive (Kalak) Dani Ramdan, Bogor Regency BPBD Kalak Yani Hasan, and Pamijahan District Head and Purwabakti Village Head.

For information, the number of people affected was 77 families, 260 people, and there were no fatalities. A total of 52 housing units were slightly damaged, 18 housing units were moderately damaged and 7 housing units were heavily damaged.

Previously, Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin had declared Disaster Emergency Alert status for the entire West Java region from 9 November 2023 to 31 May 2024. According to Bey, anticipating disasters and post-disaster handling requires mobilizing all human resources, facilities and infrastructure, as well as financing.

Bey also added that what is important in facing a disaster is for residents to remain calm and not panic and increase their vigilance.