The effectiveness of community-based early warning system of Kelud volcano eruption 2014

Abstract

Kelud Volcano is an active volcano in Indonesia. About 150 million meter cubic has erupted on 13 February 2013 at 22.30. People were successfully responded to the most significant eruption in history without any fatalities, by doing less than 2 hours evacuation, from 21.15 to 22.50. This research was conducted to show the success of the community in building the resilience process by applying a good system of community-based early warning. The study was conducted through documentary review and field assessment with participatory research methods, including mapping, transects, and historical studies. The result of research show that the community has four aspects of early warning system has been successfully fulfilled by communities. Those four aspects are (1) Knowledge of risk; (2) Monitoring and warning service; (3) Dissemination and communication; (4) Ability of the people to respond. Systematic data collection and risk assessment, with its pattern and tendency factors, ensured that disaster and vulnerability are well-known. Monitoring parameter to create accurate and timely pre-estimation has been ensured by disaster monitoring and early warning service. Communicating information and early warning ensured that the warning could be received by everyone that affected by disaster, risk, and its warning can be understood and useful. Establishing the people’s responsibility to ensure the response must be renewed, ability and local knowledge can be utilized, and people are ready to response warning. Simulation and training activities were implemented by the people within the disaster-prone area. Finally, the powerfulness of community preparedness can manage the tremendous level of a volcano eruption.