The agency predicted that the rainy season will start in October 2023 in Manokwari district, West Papua, and November and December in several other areas in the provinces of West Papua and Southwest Papua.
The rainy season in the two provinces is forecast to peak in January, March, and July 2024, the head of West Papua province's Climatology Station, Uci Sanusi, told local journalists here.
He urged related authorities and local residents to take precautionary measures to deal with the potential flooding.
Meanwhile, moderate flooding has been forecast in Sidey sub-district of Manokwari district, Mare sub-district of Maybrat district, Moskona Timur sub-district of Teluk Bintuni district, and Wasior sub-district of Teluk Wondama district.
"Moderate flooding could also happen in the sub-districts of Fakfak Timur, Kokas, and Mbahamdandara in Fakfak district in December," he informed.
According to Sanusi, regional administrations and local residents must also stay alert for extreme weather during the transition from dry to rainy seasons.
The extreme weather will be marked by strong wind and high-intensity rainfall, he added.
In March this year, acting West Papua Governor Paulus Waterpauw had highlighted the importance of taking pre-disaster anticipatory actions without delay to prepare for any climate change-driven disasters.
In addition, emergency response as well as post-disaster steps should be prepared, he said.
ANTARA has reported that West Papua province has repeatedly experienced natural disasters. In 2019, for instance, a flood triggered by incessant and heavy rains swept away at least three homes in Mimboy village, Masni sub-district, Manokwari district.
A bridge located in Meiforga and another one connecting Jowen and Mimboy also collapsed due to flooding. The bridge collapse inflicted material losses amounting to around Rp2 billion.
Translator: Ali NI, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
