"Kupang city is on alert status because of the heavy rainfall impact triggered by the Tropical Cyclone 98S seeds that appeared in the Arafuru waters," Kupang acting mayor George Melkianus Hadjoh said here on Saturday.
The TC 98S seeds could indirectly trigger moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong winds in the region, he added.
The Kupang city government has issued an early warning to all villages, sub-districts, and community units regarding the growth of TC 98S seeds.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Kupang, the TC 98S seeds could cause strong winds with speeds of 20 knots or 37 km/h and air pressure of 1,004 millibars.
The condition has been predicted to last until April 11, 2023.
"These conditions can trigger hydrometeorological disasters, such as floods, flash floods, landslides, lightning strikes, and strong winds that cause trees to fall," Hadjoh said.
He further said he expected all heads of villages, sub-districts, and community units to convey the BMKG's early warnings to all communities in order to anticipate the risk of disasters early.
"So that the public does not panic. Together with the communities, we increase alertness and mitigation measures such as cleaning water channels to prevent water inundation," he added.
Residents of Kupang City have been advised to cut down fragile trees before strong wind occurrences as such winds could cause trees to fall on homes or buildings.
He said he expected that the city residents would refrain from traveling during heavy rainfall to avoid unfavorable incidents.
Rainfall of moderate intensity, accompanied by wind and lightning, was recorded in Kupang City and Kupang District from 2:30–3:30 p.m. local time on Saturday.
BMKG on Saturday advised residents in East Nusa Tenggara to Papua regions to watch out for extreme weather potential due to the increasing intensity of TC 98S seeds around the Timor Sea.
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Translator: Benediktus J, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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