Potential downpours were not solely triggered by the La Nina weather phenomenon but also by other atmospheric dynamics that could increase the intensity of rainfall in several parts in Indonesia, the agency's seismologist, A. Fachri Radjab expounded.
The early warning of potential heavy rains owing to the moderate La Nina weather phenomenon was issued since October 2020, Radjab, the BMKG's head for public weather service, told ANTARA here, Monday.
Among the factors of atmospheric dynamics that affect rain cloud growth in Indonesia are the Asian Monsoon and convergence zone that may trigger an increase in cold temperature, Radjab noted.
In addition to the four provinces, the BMKG grouped Bengkulu, Lampung, Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, West Papua, and Papua into the "caution" category, he revealed.
Meanwhile, torrential rains lashing Bekasi District's areas from Saturday to Sunday caused massive flooding in 12 sub-districts. The floodwaters were measured to reach between 30 and 150 centimeters in height.
The Bekasi Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) noted that the flooded sub-districts were Cibitung, Tambun Utara, Tambun Selatan, Cikarang Utara, Cabangbungin, Pebayuran, Sukawangi, Sukakarya, Cikarang Timur, Sukatani, Babelan, and Muaragembong.
In addition to flooding, a "puting beliung" (whirlwind) hit Tamansari Village, Setu Sub-district, destroying 38 houses and inflicting minor damages to 35 others, the agency's acting head, Henri Lincoln, had stated earlier.
Some 13,021 households reportedly bore the brunt of a landslide and flooding that inundated 92 areas in 27 villages and neighborhoods, he noted.
The heavy rain pouring down the Bekasi District areas caused the Ciherang, Cibeet, and Citarum rivers to overflow, he stated.
As part of the disaster mitigation efforts, the district government has readied several inflatable boats for evacuation of those in need, while the police and military personnel have set up relief centers and handed out aid packages.
Lincoln has appealed to local residents to remain vigilant to the likelihood of extreme weather in future.
Various parts of Indonesia are prone to natural disasters. Within the initial two months of 2021, several hydrological disasters have occurred in the islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.
In Java Island, for instance, flash floods had inundated certain areas of Semarang in Central Java following heavy rains pelting the city from Friday to Saturday.
Landslides also hit Cihanjuang Village in Cimanggung Sub-district, Sumedang District, West Java Province, on January 9.
Meanwhile, in Sumatra Island, flash floods and a landslide damaged seven homes and caused a collapse of a bridge in Wih Ni Durin Village, Syiah Utama Sub-district, Bener Meriah District, Aceh Province, following incessant heavy rains in the Gayo highland area.
In the island of Kalimantan, massive floods and landslides also hit several parts of South Kalimantan following incessant downpour on January 12.
The floods affected the districts of Banjar, Tapin, Tabalong, Balangan, and Hulu Sungai Tengah and the cities of Tanah Laut and Banjar Baru.
The massive floods, triggered by incessant heavy rains since January 12, reportedly claimed 15 lives, swamped 24,379 houses, and displaced 39,549 people.
Related news: Flooding in Pejaten, South Jakarta, compels 28 people to flee
Related news: Indonesia enters 2021 with "abnormal" natural disasters
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Prisca TV, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
