Jakarta. Indonesia, situated at the convergence of three major tectonic plates—Indo-Australian, Eurasian, and Pacific—faces significant earthquake risks that can trigger devastating tsunamis. Enhanced preparedness and building resilience are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Among the most serious threats are megathrust earthquakes, which occur in subduction zones and can produce powerful tremors with magnitudes exceeding 8.0. These earthquakes pose a severe risk of triggering tsunamis.

To address this danger, it is essential for the public to be well-informed about earthquake response procedures. Effective communication about evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency actions is crucial. The government and relevant agencies must conduct regular disaster simulations to ensure community readiness.

Nuraini Rahma Hanifa, a researcher at the Geological Disaster Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), emphasized the importance of improving earthquake preparedness. "We still have much work to do to enhance our readiness for a megathrust earthquake," Rahma said. She noted that panic during natural disasters often leads to high casualties, as fears of building collapse can result in chaotic and unsafe behavior.

In addition to public education, strengthening buildings is vital. Many homes, schools, and hospitals need to be constructed or renovated to withstand earthquakes. Coastal areas also require effective tsunami preparedness measures, including accurate and swift early warning systems.

Here are key preparations to handle a megathrust earthquake:

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit
   Assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as medications, communication devices, important documents, cash, personal hygiene items, and ready-to-eat food and water. This will meet your basic needs during an emergency.

2. Secure Household Items
   Organize household items to minimize the risk of injury from falling objects during an earthquake. Place heavy furniture like cabinets and shelves against walls and ensure frequently used items are easily accessible and less likely to be displaced.

3. Participate in Training and Drills
   Engage in earthquake training and drills to learn the necessary actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake. This knowledge reduces panic and improves disaster preparedness.

4. Implement Early Warning Systems
   Install and maintain earthquake early warning systems to receive advance alerts. These systems allow for timely evacuation or sheltering, reducing injury and fatalities and enabling swift responses from authorities.

5. Strengthen Building Structures
   Reinforce building structures in earthquake-prone areas to prevent collapses. Buildings designed or renovated according to earthquake-resistant standards can safeguard lives and minimize damage. The National Standardization Agency (BSN) has established several Indonesian National Standards (SNI) for earthquake risk management, including SNI 1726:2019, which provides guidelines for earthquake resilience in buildings.

6. Understand Earthquake Risks
   Be aware of earthquake risks in your area and ensure all family members know the appropriate actions to take during a quake. Proper understanding and preparation enhance safety and reduce the impact of megathrust earthquakes.

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