EVALUATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR DEBRIS FLOW IN MERAPI AREA (CASE STUDY AT BOYONG RIVER)
Abstract: One of disasters
caused by volcanic activity of Mount Merapi is secondary disaster. The disaster
usually occurs after eruption and this volcanic activity produces volcanic and
pyroclastic material deposit around the top of the mountain as a result of
previous eruption. This material might collapse downward in the form of debris
flow as it is affected by natural event such as high intensity rainfall.
Therefore, a research is needed to analyze whether existing forecasting and
early warning system are capable to provide information for the people living
in hazardous area before the debris flood occur. This research was carried out
using field survey, observation and interview method. Data analysis used
qualitative descriptive method by making description of actual condition of the
researched location general condition and qualitative analysis of telemetry
system installed on Mount Merapi. The qualitative analysis of telemetry system
covers network, hardware, software, power supply, security system, operation
and maintenance, also human resources. Research analysis used primary and
secondary data. Research results revealed that mean rainfall intensity above of
60 mm/hour might trigger debris flood. Early warning should be given at the
rainfall intensity level of 50-55 mm/hour, and debris flood time travel from
the upstream to the observed location in Pulowatu Village is 45 minute. Based
on the analysis of the present forecasting and early warning system, it is
known that some of the equipment is not well functioned, so that debris flow
cannot be predicted and detected. This is caused by the lack of human resource
quality of the officers in operating and maintaining the equipment. Concerning
that matter, it is necessary to conduct some improvement to achieve better
forecasting and early warning system in order to give information regarding
occurrence of debris flow.
Author: Ali Cahyadi Achmad
Journal Code: jptsipilgg150049