Coastal Floods Predicted for Parts of Kalsel
Residents Urged to Prepare for High Tides and Potential Coastal Inundation
The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has issued a warning for potential coastal flooding (banjir rob) in South Kalimantan (Kalsel) from November 30 to December 7, 2024.
The warning comes as a combination of maximum sea levels and the new moon phase, which are expected to amplify tide heights potentially leading to inundation along the coast.
“Masyarakat pesisir pantai diimbau agar selalu waspada, untuk mengantisipasi dampak pasang maksimum air laut dan fenomena banjir pesisir (rob),”
residents of coastal areas are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to minimize potential disruptions caused by the high tides.
According to the BMKG, maximum tide heights are projected to occur in Kotabaru Waters between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM WITA, potentially reaching a height of 2.9 meters.
Areas at Risk
The hardest-hit areas are expected to be the coastlines of Kotabaru and Tanah Bumbu.
Coastal communities should prepare for potential disruptions to their daily routines and transportation systems. This could include delays or restrictions in port operations, difficulties navigating coastal roads, and potential flooding in coastal settlements and fishing communities.
The combination of high tides and the new moon phase creates optimal conditions for significant coastal flooding. Coastal residents are advised to remain informed about local weather and tide forecasts, and to take steps to protect their homes and property. This may include securing loose objects, elevating valuables, and preparing evacuation plans if necessary.
For the latest updates and safety recommendations, residents are urged to monitor official weather reports from the BMKG.
What specific measures can coastal communities in Kalsel take to adapt to the increasing threat of flooding?
## Coastal Floods Predicted for Parts of Kalsel: An Interview
**Anchor:** Joining us today is Dr. [Guest Name], a marine scientist specializing in coastal vulnerability. Dr. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** My pleasure.
**Anchor:** We’re seeing reports of potential coastal flooding in parts of Kalsel due to rising sea levels. Can you tell our viewers what’s happening?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Certainly. Rising sea levels are a global issue, driven largely by climate change. These elevated sea levels, combined with high tides and storm surges, make coastal areas like parts of Kalsel more vulnerable to flooding. [1](https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/)
**Anchor:** So this is a problem that’s likely to worsen in the future?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Unfortunately, that’s correct. As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect sea levels to continue increasing. This means coastal communities need to start taking steps to prepare and adapt.
**Anchor:** What advice do you have for residents in Kalsel who might be affected by these floods?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** It’s crucial to stay informed about weather forecasts and potential flood warnings. Residents should have a plan in place in case they need to evacuate, and they should also consider taking steps to protect their property, such as elevating valuable items and securing loose objects outdoors.
**Anchor:** Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s important for our viewers to understand the seriousness of this issue.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** You’re welcome. Spreading awareness is the first step towards building more resilient coastal communities.