Preparation with the Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (F-PRB) before the earthquake disaster simulation begins
Saturday, September 16, 2023. In the morning at 09:00, a group of residents from Sukawangi Village conducted a earthquake disaster simulation activity at the Sehati Sports Hall, Sukawangi Village Office, Warungkondang Subdistrict, Cianjur Regency, West Java. This simulation was carried out using the Tabletop Exercise (TTX) model. Prior to this, the residents had conducted a four-day Emergency Disaster Response Training (PTDB) and had also carried out simulations using the Tactical Floor Game (TFG) model.
This simulation is a training concept that uses maps as a media for planning tactical steps. The goal is to determine the coordination flow, the flow of Tasks and Functions (Tupoksi), and the roles of each participating resident.
The IDEP Selaras Alam Foundation (IDEP) continues to support the residents in recovering from the earthquake and building self-sufficiency to reduce the risk in case of another disaster.
“So, the TTX model simulation allows us to see technical aspects directly, which are immediately implemented in real situations. That’s what we did in Sukawangi Village. So the model is a Coordination Simulation and Disaster Management Practice. If another disaster occurs, this simulation is a good step in reducing disaster risk,” said IDEP Program Coordinator, Putu Suryawan.
The simulation was attended by nearly 100 residents from 29 RT (neighborhood associations) and 8 RW (sub-village associations). Given that the event took place in a sports hall, toy cars and motorcycles were used to simulate actions on the map. The residents appeared enthusiastic in carrying out their tasks in each respective team.
First aid for one of the injured victims
In the midst of the ongoing simulation, an earthquake struck Cianjur Regency once again. It was reported that there were two tremors in one day, as reported directly by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The first earthquake had a magnitude of 2.0 and occurred at 00:47 WIB with the epicenter located 5 kilometers northwest of Cianjur at a depth of 17 kilometers. Subsequently, a 2.3 magnitude earthquake occurred at 11:35 WIB with the epicenter located 7 kilometers northwest of Cianjur at a depth of 10 kilometers. It is worth noting that the night before, around 23:00 WIB, a 1.9 magnitude earthquake also shook Cianjur Regency.
“On the other hand, the people of Cianjur will certainly become more prepared in the event of a disaster, especially if an earthquake occurs. Considering that the activities in the Cugenang Fault are still ongoing until today,” added Putu Suryawan.
Several additional roles emerged in the simulation, ranging from victims and refugees to RT leaders and a mother searching for her child. The presence of these roles added to the readiness of the simulation scenario. Each team coordinated with each other, ran around, gathered information, and updated records for each injured victim, missing person, or displaced resident.
“The people in Sukawangi have been trained for some time now. And today’s simulation is to assess the readiness of the residents in the event of a disaster, especially an earthquake,” said Executive Director of the Idep Foundation, Muchamad Awal.
He noted that the residents appeared more prepared and proactive in responding to the field conditions. This was particularly evident during the evacuation process, victim documentation, and the preparation of necessities for affected residents. This attitude can serve as an asset in emergency response under any conditions, reducing the number of casualties and ensuring the needs of refugees are met.
“We hope that in the future, the understanding and skills of residents in dealing with disasters can be disseminated from one village to another, or from one village to another. In case of another disaster, all of Cianjur’s residents will be even more prepared,” he added.
The training series held throughout the program, which concludes this year, is an effort to support local residents with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for an effective recovery process.
Article & Photo: Nicolaus Sulistyo © IDEP Foundation
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