PEKANBARU – Riau Provincial Government has extended the Emergency Alert Status for Hydrometeorological Disaster Management (floods, landslides and tornadoes) until March 31 2025.

Previously, this status had been decided between December 5, 2024 and January 31, 2025. M Edy Afrizal, head of the Riau Province Regional Disaster Management and Fire Department (BPBD Damkar), confirmed that the decision had been approved by the Governor of Riau.

“The decree extending the emergency alert status for hydrometeorological disaster management has been signed by the Governor of Riau. In this way, Riau has officially declared the alert status for floods, landslides and tornadoes until March 31,” said Edy Afrizal on Friday (January 31, 2025).

Where the previous alert status determination was based on the Decree of the Governor of Riau Number: 3718/XII/2024 concerning Emergency Alert Status for Hydrometeorological Disaster Management in 2024.

“The consideration for extending this status is because there are still areas in Riau that are flooded, namely Rokan Hulu and Pelalawan Regencies,” he said.

By extending the alert status, the team will be able to better cooperate with city districts if an emergency happens at any moment. It will also be simpler to provide help to city areas.

“By determining this status, coordination will be easier. Then if there is assistance it will also be easier,” he said.

Previously, Riau's Governor, Rahman Hadi, marked the need of being prepared to deal with floods and landslides.

“We must act fast to avert calamities. Don't allow people become victims due to a lack of preparation. It is anticipated that through collaboration between the government and society, the effect of this calamity would be minimized, allowing Riau residents' activities and security to resume as usual,” he added.

Author: Yuni
Editor: Riki