The warning is addressed to the public, especially fishermen looking to set sail, Manager of the command center for operation at the Papua Disaster Mitigation Agency Jonathan Koirewoa said here on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the regional agency issued an early warning for high waves valid until Thursday, December 16, Koirewoa stated.
The warning pertained to a risk for high waves up to 1.25-2.5 meters in the southern waters of Biak, Cenderawasih Bay, and the waters of Jayapura, Sarmi.
Moreover, there is a risk of waves reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters to four meters in the North Pacific Ocean of Biak as well as in the waters of the west, north, and east of Biak, as well as the North Pacific Ocean of Jayapura, he remarked.
According to the report, tropical cyclone RAI (998 hPa) was observed in the northern Pacific Ocean region. It could increase the growth of rain clouds as well as increase the height of waves and strong winds in the region.
Thus, he expects the public to remain alert.
Koirewoa also cited a report of high tides in Jayapura District that affected residents in four sub-districts, comprising Taria Village, Demta Sub-district; Meukisi Village, Yokari Sub-district; Yongsu Village, Revenirara Sub-district; and Tablanusu Village, Depapre Sub-district.
"There were no fatalities in the incident, and only 10 families were affected," he confirmed.
Koirewoa remarked that as many as 40 families in Mamberamo Raya District, spread in the villages of Warembori and Yoki, were affected by the sea's tidal wave. On the other hand, no less than 151 families in Yamnaisi Rani Village, Aruri Sub-district, Supiori District, were reportedly swamped by waters due to the tidal waves.
Some 25 families in seven villages in the Ureifaisei Sub-district, Waropen District, were affected by tidal waves, and regional assistance was provided in each district. Koirewoa confirmed that his administration was still monitoring the condition.
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Translator: Evarukdijati, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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