321 Indonesian Districts Or Towns Face High Risk Of Disasters

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya JAKARTA, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- A total 321 districts or towns in Indonesia face a high risk of disasters in the form of natural calamities, disease epidemics or social conflicts, according to a national risk map for disasters. Some 173 more districts or towns face a moderate risk of disasters. The map, prepared by the Indonesian National Disaster Management Body (BNPB), lists 13 types of disasters which take place in the republic, they being earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, tornado, drought, flood, landslide, huge waves, forest and soil fire, disease epidemic, technological failure, building fire and social conflict. BNPB said on its website that the national risk map covered all the 33 provinces in Indonesia. It, however, did not name the districts and towns said to be at high risk from the disasters. The body has asked the provincial governments and local authorities to pay attention to disaster management to avoid major damage and losses. -- BERNAMA