We know that last year's drought was above normal or tended to be wet. Hence, as compared to 2021, the potential for forest and land fires in 2022 would be biggerJakarta (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned of the potential of forest and land fires tending to get bigger in 2022.
Acting Deputy of Climatology at the BMKG Urip Haryoko noted that this year, the dry season is expected to be dominantly normal, with even a small part of it being below normal.
"We know that last year's drought was above normal or tended to be wet. Hence, as compared to 2021, the potential for forest and land fires in 2022 would be bigger," Haryoko noted during a press conference on Friday.
Haryoko remarked that several hotspots were currently being monitored, such as in Aceh, Riau, South Sumatra, North Sumatra, Bangka Belitung Islands, and West Kalimantan.
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"West Kalimantan has quite a few hotspots, reaching around 18. If we look at the trend of the dry season, this year we need to be aware of the potential for forest and land fires," he noted.
Haryoko also reminded of the need to make the most of the dry season that was estimated to be delayed for 47.7 percent of the season zone (ZOM).
"This may provide benefits related to the availability of sufficient water for meeting the needs of rice plants during the second planting season," he remarked.
This condition provides an opportunity for the community to collect water or conduct rainwater harvesting before facing the dry season.
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Haryoko stated that some areas would likely receive rain in March 2022.
On the contrary, a small part of other regions of Indonesia are currently entering the rainy season and will reach the peak in mid-2022, such as in parts of Sulawesi and Ambon.
"Hence, our attention should not only be channeled on the potential for forest and land fires. In 2020, for instance, there was a major flood in Luwu in July. Most regions in Indonesia are already experiencing the dry season, but there are some areas where floods can still likely occur," he concluded.
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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari R, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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