REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GRESIK — The central government will help repair the homes of residents damaged by the earthquake in Bawean Island, Gresik Regency, East Java. The relief plan was presented by the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lieutenant General Suharyanto during a meeting with a number of residents at Suwari refugee post, Bawean, Sunday (24/3/2024).
Suharyanto said that the Gresik Regency Government set an emergency response status due to the earthquake disaster. After the emergency response period, he said, it will enter the rehabilitation phase of construction.
“As instructed by President Jokowi, the central government will provide assistance. For heavily damaged houses, Rp 60 million will be replaced, moderately damaged Rp 30 million, and lightly damaged Rp 15 million,” Suharyanto said.
Suharyanto said that there are already technical guidelines to determine the criteria for damage to homes affected by the disaster. “If we saw at first glance on the road a lot of it was damaged from light to heavy,” he said.
Before helping with home repairs, according to Suharyanto, the government will try to meet the logistical needs of earthquake-affected residents during this emergency response period. Such as food, mats, and tents.
On his way to the refugee post, he noticed there were residents using tents that were less than decent. “The tent is not good for the family. Later we will replace it with a more comfortable tent,” he said.
In addition to logistics, according to Suharyanto, local authorities are trying to calm people by providing assistance and recovering residents from the trauma of the disaster.
“Regarding psychological support for the affected communities, said Mr. Bupati and Mr. Pj Governor (East Java) later tonight, a mentoring team will come. Including from the military, the police, will also bring down trauma healing teams,” he said.
Suharyanto appealed to people on Bawean Island not to panic, but remain alert and alert for potential disasters. “The earthquake per day has already occurred 229 times at yesterday's point, but according to Mr. Regent in Bawean, many are afraid of a tsunami. In fact, it has been conveyed by BMKG there is no potential for a tsunami, although the storm is quite large up to magnitude 6.5,” he said.
