PADANG, kiprahkita.net - A solemn atmosphere enveloped the commemoration of Padang's Disaster Preparedness Day, which also marked the 15th anniversary of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that shook West Sumatra on September 30, 2009.
The event, held at the Padang Earthquake Monument, was attended by key figures including the Secretary General of BNPB, Rustian; Acting Governor of West Sumatra, Audy Joinaldy; Acting Mayor of Padang, Andree Algamar, along with other dignitaries and officials.
In his address, BNPB’s Secretary General, Rustian, emphasized the importance of understanding the disaster cycle, which includes pre-disaster, disaster response, and post-disaster phases. He highlighted the need for specific actions during each phase.
“It is crucial for everyone to recognize that we all share equal rights and responsibilities during each stage of a disaster. No one is exempt from participating in disaster preparedness and response. This is why the pentahelix approach to disaster management must be well understood,” Rustian stated on Monday, September 30, 2024.
He further stressed the need for continuous disaster mitigation efforts to enhance preparedness.
The commemoration of Disaster Preparedness Day and the presence of the monument serve as constant reminders of the importance of readiness.
“Sumatra Barat serves as a miniature model of disaster risk for the entire nation. Almost every type of disaster could potentially occur here. Therefore, awareness and preparedness in West Sumatra must constantly be improved,” Rustian added.
Acting Governor of West Sumatra, Audy Joinaldy, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that people often neglect the importance of disaster preparedness when everything seems calm. However, preparedness should be an integral part of daily life.
“Recently, we visited Mentawai with the head of BNPB to discuss readiness for the potential Mentawai Megathrust earthquake. The disaster risk is high, though we don’t know exactly when it will happen. This is why preparedness must be instilled and practiced every day,” Audy stated.
Audy also noted that the government would continue to improve preparedness efforts through regulations that the public must adhere to.
These include building codes, the integration of disaster education into school curricula, and other policies aimed at enhancing disaster readiness.
“For example, there’s a recurring pattern in house construction—whether it’s the roofs, the structures, or other elements. Moving forward, these must be better regulated to truly improve our disaster resilience,” he added.
In his speech, Acting Mayor of Padang, Andree H. Algamar, recalled how the 2009 earthquake devastated nearly all aspects of life in Padang and other parts of West Sumatra.
Since then, Padang City Government has commemorated Disaster Preparedness Day annually to emphasize the importance of disaster readiness.
“Through the commemoration of the 2009 earthquake, we can reflect, introspect, and continue to nurture our preparedness. This is why we observe this day every year,” Andree said.
Also delivering remarks at the event was Fauzi Bahar, Mayor of Padang in 2009 and current Chairman of LKAAM West Sumatra, as well as Andreas Sofiandi, the initiator of the Earthquake Monument.
Other attendees included officials from the Provincial and City Governments of Padang, members of the West Sumatra Forkopimda, and related department heads.
This annual remembrance not only honors those affected by past disasters but also serves as a call to action for future disaster preparedness in the region. (adpsb; ed. mus)
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