BNPB maps tsunami hazard preparedness in Banten coastal areas

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNNP) is mapping the level of tsunami hazard preparedness along the coastal areas of Banten Province, covering Pandeglang Regency, Serang Regency, and Cilegon City, using the standard ‘Tsunami Ready’ indicators.

Acting Head of the BNPB Centre for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated in Jakarta on Thursday that the BNPB Deputy Team for Prevention has been carrying out assignments since 6 September 2024. This involves coordination with local governments, monitoring conditions in affected areas, and providing preparedness assistance.

This effort simultaneously ensures the readiness of the government and local communities in facing the potential impacts of Anak Krakatau volcanic activity, including tsunami hazards, particularly in vital areas and settlements that were previously affected by the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami.

In Pandeglang Regency, the BNPB team noted that early warning siren towers in the Sumur and Panimbang districts are in operational condition, evacuation routes are well-installed, and regular disaster simulations are conducted, although the Warning Receiver System (WRS) Gen in Tanjung Lesung is still undergoing repairs.

For Cilegon City, inspections in the Kubangsari sub-district confirmed the existence of early warning Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the active involvement of sub-district facilitators in information dissemination, and the reliability of tsunami siren functions at the sub-district office area.

In this regard, Berton expressed that the BNPB appreciates the active collaboration between local governments and local volunteer communities in maintaining the reliability of disaster monitoring infrastructure for the safety of coastal populations.