Tagana Evacuated Victims Affected by Mount Tangkuban Perahu Eruption

JAKARTA (July 26, 2019) – Minister of Social Affairs Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita revealed that 30 personnel of Taruna Siaga Bencana (Tagana) Indonesia were deployed to help evacuate traders and visitors affected by the eruption of Mount Tangkuban Perahu, West Java, Friday.

"Shortly after the eruption of Mount Tangkuban Perahu, Tagana was already at the location. The focus of the task is to protect victims of natural disasters, in this case visitors and traders, as well as tourists who camped in the vicinity," explained the Minister of Social Affairs in Jakarta, Friday night.

Agus explained that 30 personnel of Tagana consisted of 25 personnel of Tagana in Subang Regency and 5 personnel of Tagana in West Bandung Regency.

"The residents also went down to help, namely from Kampung Siaga Bencana Desa Cicadas. They worked together to help the evacuation process," he continued.

Most of the traders who were evacuated are residents of Ciater and Cikole. They have returned to their houses, meanwhile the majority of visitors who use private vehicles have left the location.

As has been stated by Minister of Social Affairs, Tagana Subang Regency has a Tagana Command Post which is about 7 km from Tangkuban Perahu Mountain. The post is guarded by four Tagana personnel who were tasked with taking turns every day.

“As soon as the eruption occurred, they go directly to the location and help to evacuate the traders and visitors, joining the volunteers, security forces, and local village officials, "said Minister Agus.

Currently, although the eruption has stopped, the Minister’s side continues to monitor the developments in the field. The Tagana Team also remained alert and improved communication with various stakeholders at the Mount Tangkuban Perahu Joint Command Post.

On the other hand, Director General of Social Protection and Security Harry Hikmat said that the total of Tagana Subang Regency is 70 personnel.

The Tagana personnel who are deployed have the ability in the fields of communication, rescue, post management, and logistics. They also continue to coordinate with the local volcanology and local BPBD.

“The coordination continues and if necessary, the logistic needs for the affected communities will be distributed," he said.

As has been known on Friday, July 26, 2019, at 15.48 Local Time, the Tangkuban Perahu volcano area, located in Cikahuripan Village, Lembang District, West Bandung Regency, emitted volcanic ash with a high ash column observed ± 200 m above the peak (± 2,284 m above sea level).

The ash column was observed to be gray with a thick intensity leaning northeast and south. This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 38 mm and a duration of ± 5 minutes 30 seconds.

Head of Public Relations Bureau Ministry of Social Affairs RI

Sonny W Manalu