BNPB Takes Over Command of Earthquake Emergency Response in Sigi, Central Sulawesi
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has taken over command of the emergency response for the earthquake that struck Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, after the local regent declared a state of emergency. “The Sigi Regent has declared a state of emergency, meaning the central government through BNPB takes over command and will lead and assist as much as possible,” said BNPB Chief Suharyanto during a visit to Sigi Regency on Friday.
He stated that his agency is currently awaiting data from the Sigi Regency government regarding damage to residents’ homes in Kamarora Village, Nokilalaki District. “For heavily damaged houses, we have agreed to build temporary shelters (Huntara). We also offer those who do not wish to enter the huntara a waiting fund for housing; this pattern is the same as in other places when a disaster occurs,” he said.
He noted that basic logistical needs for some of the affected communities in the area have been met. “There are no complaints about basic logistical issues. Alhamdulillah, everything is fulfilled, meaning the local government has moved quickly; the central government just needs to reinforce the disaster management in Sigi Regency,” he stated.
According to him, the community’s request is that infrastructure such as places of worship, namely mosques and churches, be repaired immediately. “From the dialogue with the community, there were no complaints asking for basic needs. Instead, they asked about secondary needs like places of worship, even though those are secondary needs, so we will immediately build a temporary church in Nokilalaki,” he said.
Suharyanto mentioned that construction of the temporary church will begin on Sunday (21/6) with a semi-permanent structure. “The construction of these places of worship, for the church and mosque, will have zinc roofs, GRC walls, cement floors, and the size will be according to the needs of the place of worship,” he said.
Based on data as of 19 June, the number of affected people reached 2,585 families, comprising 7,821 individuals in Sigi Regency. Damaged houses in Sigi Regency also totalled 2,137 units, consisting of 1,917 lightly damaged, 147 moderately damaged, and 73 heavily damaged units spread across 39 villages.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck the Palu region, Central Sulawesi, on Tuesday (16/6) at 10:27 WIB.