BPBD East Java checks EWS to ensure it operates during extreme weather

Surabaya – The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is conducting checks to ensure that the Early Warning System (EWS) equipment scattered across various areas of the province functions during extreme weather.

BPBD East Java Chief Implementer Gatot Soebroto, in Surabaya on Friday, said that during extreme weather across the region they continue to seek support from various parties to enhance vigilance, especially in disaster-prone areas, including floods, landslides and tsunamis.

“In addition to the public needing to heighten their vigilance, we will check the condition of the EWS equipment, and we will also boost the readiness of BPBD personnel,” he said.

During the ongoing period of extreme weather, he added, communities, volunteers, and BPBD personnel in regencies or cities can continue to collaborate to increase preparedness to reduce the risk of disasters that may occur.

He also said that personnel are being kept on standby because disasters caused by extreme weather are becoming more frequent.

Over the course of this week, the EWS checks started in Banyuwangi Regency, specifically the tsunami EWS siren at Rajegwesi Beach, Sarongan Village, Pesanggaran District. The activity then moved on to Jember, Lumajang, Malang, Blitar, Tulungagung, Trenggalek and Pacitan.

“Some 71 EWS units, including 27 flood EWS points, 27 landslide EWS points and 17 tsunami sirens, will be checked to ensure their physical condition and function for the early warning of surrounding communities,” he said.