Yogyakarta BPBD urges riverbank residents to learn EWS siren codes

The Yogyakarta City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is urging residents living near riverbanks to understand the specific siren patterns of the Early Warning System (EWS) to ensure effective flood mitigation.

During recent testing and simulations conducted across major waterways including the Code, Winongo, Gajahwong, and Belik rivers, officials emphasized that the EWS is a vital tool for self-rescue. The agency has outlined specific response protocols based on siren patterns:

• Waspada (Alert): Characterized by a pattern of six siren blasts. Residents are advised to remain calm and monitor official updates. • Siaga (Standby): Characterized by four rapid, repeating siren blasts. Residents should prepare evacuation bags, secure important documents, turn off electricity, and identify evacuation routes. • Awas (Danger): This status requires residents to immediately evacuate and move away from the riverbanks.

BPBD Head Nur Hidayat noted that as the rainy season approaches, understanding these signals is essential for residents to determine the appropriate level of action during potential rising water levels.