Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. With the warnings of megathrust from Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) some time ago, Jakarta Provincial Government suggested for immediate reviews on tall buildings.

Trisakti University urban planning observer, Nirwono Yoga, said that many victims of the earthquake disaster were caused by falling building debris.

"This makes building review an urgency before it's too late," says Nirwono on Sunday (8/18/2024).

In his statement, he says that Multi-storey building audits can be carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) as they have the task force for the job.

"Buildings must be able to withstand a 7 to 9 magnitude earthquake," says Nirwono.

Furthermore, he says building built above year 2000 generally have been designed to be able to withstand an earthquake

"The problem are buildings built before 2000 as the requirement to construct a building is lot less strict," adds Nirwono.

On the other hand, aside of being able to withstand huge earthquakes, he also implores building management to prepare evacuation route as it would help people to get outside the building quickly.

Earthquake simulations training also have to be provided continuously.

"No one can predict when an earthquake is happening accurately, thus it is necessary for all parties to stay vigilant for 24 hours," reminds Nirwono.

Previously BMKG has warned a potential of megathrust earthquake in Indonesia. At least there will be two megathrust segments in Indonesia that must be watch out for, they are the Sunda Strait megathrust and Mentawai-Siberut megathrust.

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