The looming threat of a megathrust earthquake has long been a topic of concern among experts, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that this isn’t just a matter of speculation. The potential for a catastrophic natural disaster is real, and the urgency for preventive action cannot be overstated. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued critical recommendations for those involved in the tourism industry.
BMKG has underscored the importance of readiness, even though predicting when or how severe a megathrust earthquake might be is impossible. The agency’s warnings are directed at tourism operators, urging them to take proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.
“The timing and magnitude of a megathrust earthquake cannot be predicted,” said Suci Dewi Anugerah, head of Tsunami Mitigation for the Indian and Pacific Oceans at BMKG. “However, it’s essential for everyone to be prepared by understanding and implementing disaster mitigation strategies.”
Suci emphasized the first step in preparation: conducting a thorough assessment of potential hazards. Tourism operators, including hotels, must become acutely aware of the risks specific to their locations.
“Assessing the risks involves understanding the dangers that might impact your area,” Suci explained. “Tourism operators and hotel managers need to be equipped with this knowledge to better protect their guests and staff.”
Once the risks are identified, the next step is to develop a robust evacuation plan. Suci highlighted the importance of having clear evacuation procedures, especially in regions that are highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis.
Read also: BMKG Emphasizes That “Just a Matter of Time” Megathrust Earthquake Is Not an Early Warning
“Consider how many tourists might be on-site during a disaster, and ensure that evacuation routes are well-marked and accessible,” she advised. “Hotels should regularly inspect their emergency exits and evacuation signs to ensure they are in working order.”
She also stressed the importance of having an evacuation alarm system in place, as well as ensuring that hotel staff are well-trained in emergency response protocols.
“Beyond just physical preparations, hotels should also focus on education and awareness,” Suci added. “This could include creating educational materials, such as posters, to inform guests about safety procedures.”
One area of concern Suci highlighted is the lack of safety briefings in many hotels, which she believes should be a standard practice, especially in earthquake-prone regions.
“Hotels situated in areas vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis should conduct safety briefings before any meetings or events. This ensures that guests know exactly what to do if a disaster strikes,” she said. “Hotel staff should also undergo regular training and participate in emergency drills to stay prepared.”
Preparation doesn’t stop at physical measures; it also involves having a well-defined response plan. Suci urged hotels to develop contingency plans and establish a command center equipped to manage emergencies. She also stressed the importance of having direct access to earthquake and tsunami information from BMKG.
In her concluding remarks, Suci reiterated that the threat of a megathrust earthquake is not just theoretical but a reality that has already affected Indonesia in the past.
“This isn’t just a hypothesis; it’s a fact that we’ve witnessed before. The 2004 Aceh tsunami, with its devastating magnitude of over 9, the 2007 Mentawai tsunami, the 2006 Pangandaran tsunami, and the 2005 Nias tsunami were all triggered by megathrust earthquakes. These events are stark reminders of the reality we face,” Suci said.
The BMKG’s warnings serve as a wake-up call for Indonesia’s tourism sector, highlighting the need for immediate action to ensure that everyone is prepared for what could be an inevitable disaster.
