Vice President Urges Priority on Emergency Response for Solok Disaster
Solok (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibrint Rakabuming Raka has requested that both local and central governments prioritise emergency response and strengthen coordination to accelerate the recovery from flash floods in Solok Regency, West Sumatra.
The Vice President made this request while inspecting the Main Disaster Management Post of Solok Regency at the Solok Regent’s Office field on Friday (25/9), while also providing guidance to the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and representatives from the central government.
The Vice President stated that disaster management does not end once the floodwaters recede, but must continue with the cleaning of materials brought by the floods to restore access and community activities.
“Management does not finish when the water recedes. Mud, sand, stones, wood, and landslides must be cleared. The priority is cleaning flood debris in residential areas, roads, bridges, mosques, agricultural land, and public facilities,” he said.
He also requested that the government increase vigilance against subsequent rainfall and landslides by strengthening coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), including ensuring that information regarding potential disasters can be received by communities in high-risk areas.
“Increase vigilance against subsequent rain and landslides. Strengthen coordination with BMKG and ensure residents in vulnerable areas receive easily understandable information,” he added.
In addition to emergency response, the Vice President requested that the recovery of agricultural land become a priority, as Solok Regency is one of the food buffer zones for West Sumatra and the nation.
“Solok is one of the food granaries for West Sumatra and the nation; the recovery of agricultural land must be a priority so that residents can return to farming,” he said.
The Vice President also requested that the government provide attention to affected residents who have loan obligations with State-Owned Banks (Himbara), Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) Mekaar, or other financing institutions, so that they may receive relief during the disaster period.
“Residents who have instalments in any Himbara bank should receive some relief during the disaster period,” he stated.
He requested the Regent of Solok to collect data on affected residents who require financing restructuring so that such relief can be provided accurately and effectively.
During the visit, the Vice President received a report that one resident, Agusra (59), who was previously reported as missing, had been found by the joint SAR team deceased. He requested that the victim be handled appropriately and that the bereaved family receive support.
The Vice President stated that all obstacles and issues identified during the disaster management in the field will be compiled to be reported to President Prabowo for further direction.
Before inspecting the main post, the Vice President visited the Balai Pemuda Kayu Aro Refugee Post to engage in dialogue with affected residents, assess the conditions and needs of the displaced persons, and ensure that management during the emergency response period continues to proceed.