"Some areas are prone to getting isolated,” the minister stated after reviewing the impact of flooding in Munjungan Sub-district here on Sunday.
Rismaharini noted that extreme wet weather was still rampant in Indonesia, so the peak of the rainy season may occur for a long period of time.
“We are worried that subsequent flooding (may occur and) will damage road access to Munjungan Sub-district," she remarked.
On arrival at Tawing Village, Munjungan Sub-district, the minister immediately reviewed the disaster-hit locations, such as the bank of Kali Tengah River.
She helped the officers at the river to move a large piece of wood that got swept away by the flash flood.
Furthermore, Rismaharini reviewed the sufficiency of assistance provided by the Social Affairs Ministry as well as activities in the public kitchen to mitigate the impact of flooding in the village.
She also visited several houses affected by the flood.
Rismaharini stated that her side had disbursed logistical assistance worth Rp628 million.
"We will supply their public kitchen needs and encourage them to be independent with the logistical assistance provided by the Social Affairs Ministry, so that they (people in the prone areas) can be independent. Hence, the Social Affairs Ministry also builds four social granaries at once," she remarked.
Two social granaries are established in Tawing Village, with one in Bendoroto Village and the other in Bangun Village, and both of them being located in Munjungan Sub-district.
In addition, the minister observed that the flash flood had eroded the road on the side of the river, so her side would dispatch heavy equipment assistance to help the residents to mitigate the impact of erosion.
“Preparations (to renovate the road) must be (conducted) fast. Thus, the heavy equipment (assistance) becomes a priority," she stated.
Rismaharini noted that disaster risk mitigation cannot rely solely on the government, so she urged all parties, including the community, to work together.
“I really believe that the strength of the community lays in their prayers. With prayer, Allah will surely help to make all things easier," she remarked.
Head of Trenggalek District Mochamad Nur Arifin expressed gratitude for the food, logistical, and psychosocial service assistance from the ministry. (*)
