Tsunami Evacuation Drill Marks Tsunami Awareness Day 2024
Aceh Government, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) successfully conducted a tsunami evacuation drill on 21 December 2024. This disaster preparedness activity involved teachers and students from elementary, middle, and high schools in Banda Aceh.
The drill was held at the Escape Building in Lambung Village, a designated disaster mitigation site in Banda Aceh. According to Dr. Muzailin Affan, the Chairman of the Office of International Affairs of USK, the event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The aim was to educate students, enhance disaster preparedness, and reduce disaster risks.
“This educational initiative is a crucial step in ensuring Banda Aceh residents are better equipped to face the potential risks of earthquake and tsunami in the future,” said Dr. Muzailin.
The drill simulated a real-life scenario and was conducted in the morning 9 -10 AM. Participants included students and teachers from SD 21 (Elementary School) and SMP 5 (Junior High School) of Banda Aceh, which schools are located near the evacuation building, along with members of the local community.
Attended in the drill site, Hj. Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal and Afdhal Khalilullah, politics and public figures. They met the students and gave support to them.
The evacuation drill was part of the Aceh Tsunami Awareness Festival (ATAF) 2024, held from December 19 to 21 2024. Other festival activities included a short video competition, disaster awareness campaigns, and disaster mitigation seminars for participating schools.
The ATAF officially commenced on 20 December 2024, with an opening ceremony at Banda Aceh City Hall, led by Acting Mayor Banda Aceh, Almuniza Kamal.
“Through this event, we hope to raise awareness about the dangers of tsunamis among the public. Understanding early warning signs and taking appropriate actions are essential steps in protecting oneself and others,” he said in his brief opening remarks.
The opening ceremony featured the symbolic beating of the traditional Acehnese drum, Rapa’i, by Almuniza Kamal, Takonai Susumu (Consul General of Japan in Medan), and Ms. Sachiko Takeda (JICA Indonesia Chief Representative).
