"Responding to the recent phenomenon, we, at Kotim BPBD, remain on alert. We have also reported the positions of all units to the district head and the police chief, so that if an incident occurs, they are ready to respond," Head of Kotim BPBD Multazam stated in Sampit on Wednesday.
According to information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), he remarked that Kotim began entering the dry season in the last 10 days of June, especially in the southern region.
However, the start of the dry season does not mean there is no rain at all. Moreover, he explained, BMKG analysis shows a cyclone phenomenon in several areas, which has caused rain in certain locations, including the Sampit City area and its surroundings, where frequent rainfall has recently been observed.
"As time passes, up to July 1, the intensity of rain has started to decrease, but it is still possible that in certain periods during this dry season, weather disturbances could bring more rain," he stated.
Multazam noted that the presence of dew or fog in the mornings over the past few days, especially in the Sampit City area, is also an indicator of the dry season's onset, as this condition signals a change in air temperature.
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Additionally, the intensity of rain, which was quite frequent last June, could also indicate the end of the rainy season. These factors serve as references for Kotim BPBD to increase preparedness for forest and land fire disasters.
Preparedness for forest and land fires needs to begin as early as possible, considering that the Kotim area is dominated by peatlands, making it one of the districts in Central Kalimantan most prone to forest and land fires.
"Based on our data from 2015 to 2024, the dry season does start in June, followed usually by a drastic increase in fire incidents in July and August, though the levels vary. In 2023, forest and land fires were quite severe. For 2025, we will monitor developments as they occur," Multazam remarked.
In addressing the potential for forest and land fires, BPBD Kotim has ensured that its units, equipment, and personnel are ready. This includes preparedness for any extended impacts of the dry season, such as drought, which the agency is also prepared to handle.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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