West Sumatra, Jambi must be better prepared for future quakes: President

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says efforts to rehabilitate and reconstruct earthquake-devastated West Sumatra and Jambi must be aimed at improving the two regions’ preparedness for future disasters.

He said Thursday that the two provinces should be better equipped to cope with disasters, by building earthquake-resistant buildings, raising the residents’ mental preparedness and providing quick responses to disasters.

"Once the emergency measures are completed, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities will be next," said Yudhoyono, while opening a Cabinet meeting on the aftermath of the West Sumatra and Jambi quakes.

"Once those activities are completed, we hope that West Sumatra and Jambi will not just recover, but also be better prepared should they face similar disasters."

The President reminded government officials they should carry out rehabilitation and reconstruction measures "transparently, accountably, and right on target", with funds for the activities coming from many sources, including local and foreign organizations.

As of Thursday, the official death toll from the West Sumatra quake has exceeded 1,100, while Jambi has reported less than 10 deaths.