BPBD Ponorogo Enhances Vigilance and Disaster Mitigation

Ponorogo, East Java (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Ponorogo, East Java, is increasing vigilance and mitigation in several disaster-prone areas following the rise in landslide incidents up to mid-April 2026.

The Acting Head of BPBD Ponorogo, Masun, in Ponorogo on Wednesday, stated that his agency has recorded at least 50 disaster events since the beginning of the year, with 41 of them being landslides, six floods, and three due to extreme weather.

“This dominance of landslides is influenced by the still high rainfall and the seasonal transition period,” he said.

BPBD, he continued, has strengthened mitigation efforts by mapping landslide-prone areas, particularly in hilly regions, and increasing patrols and monitoring during heavy rainfall.

In addition, BPBD is preparing personnel and equipment at vulnerable points, accelerating the handling of landslide materials, and coordinating with village governments and volunteers for rapid responses in the event of disasters.

The latest incident occurred in Slahung sub-district, where heavy rain triggered eight landslide points that temporarily blocked part of the Ponorogo-Pacitan provincial road.

The landslide materials were immediately handled by joint teams, so they did not significantly disrupt traffic flow.

Masun emphasised that the disaster potential remains quite high in the coming period.

Therefore, residents living in prone areas are urged to increase vigilance, especially during prolonged heavy rain.