Jayapura, Papua, Dec. 20 -- The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said disaster mitigation is a crucial step to reduce risks and impacts of natural disasters while strengthening community preparedness.

"In addition to physical readiness, the public is also reminded to remain alert to disaster-related hoaxes and misinformation that often emerge during emergency situations," BNPB Head Suharyanto said in a press release received here on Saturday.

According to Suharyanto, disaster mitigation refers to a series of planned efforts carried out before disasters occur to suppress potential loss of life and material damage.

"Mitigation includes understanding disaster risks in each area, recognizing types of threats, and preparing to fac...