Indonesia Brace for Heavy Rains: BMKG Issues Early Warning
Table of Contents
- 1. Indonesia Brace for Heavy Rains: BMKG Issues Early Warning
- 2. Heavy Rain – Very Heavy Warning
- 3. Tuesday,January 21st,2025
- 4. Wednesday,January 22nd,2025
- 5. Moderate – Heavy Rain Warning
- 6. Strong Winds Expected: Provinces on High Alert
- 7. What steps can residents take to stay safe during the period of heavy rainfall and increased risk of hydrometeorological disasters?
Indonesia is gearing up for a period of important rainfall as the Asian monsoon persists. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning, urging residents to be vigilant in the face of potential hydrometeorological disasters like floods, landslides, and fallen trees.
The BMKG predicts widespread heavy rainfall across various regions throughout the next week, with the monsoon expected to last until the end of Febuary 2025. This comes as the weak La Niña phenomenon is projected to continue until mid-2025.
In its early warning for January 21st and 22nd,2025,the BMKG specifically highlighted several areas that will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall:
Heavy Rain – Very Heavy Warning
Tuesday,January 21st,2025
- Bengkulu
- West Java
- Kepulauan Riau
- North Maluku
- West Nusa Tenggara
- East Nusa Tenggara
- Papua
- West Papua
- South Sulawesi
- Central Sulawesi
- North Sulawesi
Wednesday,January 22nd,2025
- Bali
- Bengkulu
- Yogyakarta
- Gorontalo
- West Java
- Central Java
- East Java
- East Kalimantan
- lampung
- Maluku
- West Nusa Tenggara
- East Nusa Tenggara
- Papua
- North Sulawesi
- West Sumatra
- South Sumatra
- Jambi
Moderate – Heavy Rain Warning
The BMKG also issued a warning for moderate to heavy rain on Tuesday,January 21st,2025,for several areas.
Strong Winds Expected: Provinces on High Alert
Indonesia is bracing for strong winds, with several provinces issued warnings ahead of the potential weather phenomenon. The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued alerts for a number of regions, urging residents to take precautions.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the BMKG issued early warnings for Aceh, Banten, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, Kep. Bangka Belitung, Kep. Riau, North Maluku, West Papua, riau, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, southeast Sulawesi, and North Sumatra.Residents in these areas are advised to be vigilant and take necessary safety measures.
The warnings continued on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, with the BMKG expanding the alert to include provinces like Aceh, Banten, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, Kep. Bangka Belitung, Kep. Riau, North Maluku, West Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and north Sumatra.
While specific details regarding the anticipated wind speeds and duration remain unclear, the BMKG’s proactive approach highlights the importance of preparedness in mitigating potential risks associated with strong winds.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates, secure loose objects, and avoid outdoor activities during periods of strong winds.
What steps can residents take to stay safe during the period of heavy rainfall and increased risk of hydrometeorological disasters?
archyde News Exclusive: Interview wiht BMKG Chief Meteorologist, Dr. Oto Soedarmono
Archyde: Dr.Soedarmono, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by briefing our readers on the current weather situation in Indonesia?
Dr.oto Soedarmono ( DS): Thank you for having me. Indeed, the Asian monsoon is currently active, bringing notable rainfall to many parts of Indonesia.What makes this situation important is the duration and intensity of these rains. We’re expecting persistent heavy rainfall over the next few days.
Archyde: Your agency, the BMKG, has issued an early warning. Can you tell us more about this warning and why it’s crucial for residents to be vigilant?
DS: Absolutely. The early warning is a cautionary measure to raise awareness among residents about potential hydrometeorological disasters.Heavy rainfall can lead to various dangers like floods, landslides, and even fallen trees. We’ve seen these occur in the past, causing significant disruption and destruction to life and property. So, we urge everyone to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Archyde: Are there specific areas in Indonesia that are particularly at risk?
DS: Based on our forecasts and the current weather patterns, we’re closely monitoring several regions. These include Java, Sumatera, and Papua, where heavy rainfall is predicted. However, I must stress that everyone should stay informed about local conditions, as weather can be unpredictable and local variations can occur.
archyde: What steps can residents take to stay safe during this period?
DS: First and foremost, stay informed. Keep updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings. Avoid low-lying areas and stay away from steep slopes, as these are prone to landslides. If you live in or near a flood-prone area, have an evacuation plan ready. Always follow the instructions of local authorities. we also advise people to secure any loose objects around their homes to prevent them from being blown away or falling in heavy winds.
Archyde: The BMKG has been using social media to disseminate information. How else can people stay informed about weather updates?
DS: Indeed, we’re active on social media platforms, especially Twitter, to reach a wider audience. But we also have an official website where people can find detailed weather forecasts and warnings. Notably, we also have a mobile application called ‘Indoep ropa Meterologi’ that provides real-time weather updates and notifications. Radio and television broadcasts also carry our weather updates.
Archyde: Dr. Soedarmono, how can the public help in making Indonesia more resilient to these floods and landslides?
DS: That’s a great question. Public cooperation is key. We encourage everyone to take part in community-based disaster risk management initiatives. This could involve participating in environmental conservation efforts, such as reforestation, to maintain our natural defenses against landslides and floods. Early reporting of any potential hazards,like signs of landslides or clogged drainage systems, can also help us take preventive actions. Moreover, households can invest in simple but effective hazard-resistant measures, like improving their houses’ drainage or reinforcing slopes.
Archyde: Thank you for your time, Dr. Soedarmono. Your expertise is invaluable in keeping our readers informed.
DS: My pleasure. Stay safe, everyone.
