Jakarta, IO – The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Agam regency, West Sumatra, has extended the emergency alert period in response to Mount Marapi eruption for up to one month until February 24, said agency head Bambang Warsito, per detikcom, Thu (25/1).
Bambang explained that the decision was taken to optimally take care of affected residents living around the slopes. During the extended emergency alert period, BPBD will focus on several things including building “Sabo Dam” upstream of Marapi.
The Sabo Dam serves to control lava or water flow, especially during heavy rain. “We have talked with the River Board. We have mapped out the points where the dams will be built upstream,” he said.
Bambang said the agency will also prepare the community’s readiness in facing disasters including by holding trauma healing sessions in schools with disaster mitigation activists.
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“We will also prepare wider road access for evacuation purposes,” he added.
As reported before, Mount Marapi erupted on December 3, 2023 and has continued to spew volcanic ash. The alert period has been in effect since January 9. When it first erupted, 24 unsuspecting climbers conducting outdoor activities near the summit were killed. (un)