Papua Provincial Government Prepares Personnel to Anticipate Disasters During Eid Holiday

Jayapura (ANTARA) - The Papua Provincial Government has prepared personnel to address the potential for disasters during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in 1447 Hijriah, following an increase in the intensity of extreme weather in the region. “The local government has mobilised teams as a precautionary measure,” said Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri in Jayapura on Saturday. The Governor also called on all residents to enhance their preparedness to minimise disaster risks. Based on official information from the BMKG, there has been an increase in atmospheric activity in the form of wind mass convergence that triggers the growth of rain clouds, increased wind speeds, and fairly high sea waves. “This is not an ordinary weather situation, so it must be addressed with full vigilance,” he stated. Sea waves in several waters around Papua, according to BMKG forecasts, have the potential to reach 2.5 to four metres, particularly in the Jayapura, Sarmi, Mamberamo, Biak, Serui, and Waropen areas. This condition is deemed risky for shipping activities, especially for traditional fishermen and small-scale sea transport. “We also urge fishermen to delay going to sea if conditions are not feasible and to always monitor the latest weather information,” he said. Coastal communities, he added, also need to be wary of high waves and strong winds. In addition, residents in landslide-prone areas and along riverbanks are asked to increase their preparedness. “District governments and regional apparatus organisations are also on full alert to ensure a rapid response in the event of emergencies,” he stated. According to him, public safety is the top priority, so nothing is more important than human lives. “We will continue to build coordination with various parties to ensure readiness to face the worst possibilities, and we urge the public to wisely read the signs of nature and not to be complacent about disaster potentials,” he said.