TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-Head of Data Center Information and Public Relations of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Sutopo Nugroho said the tidal waves occurred within the past few times have caused severe damage in the south coast area of Yogyakarta.
“About 15 beach tourism areas in Gunung Kidul, Kulon Progo, and Bantul are damaged,” Sutopo said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, June 9, 2016, added that the wave reached 5-7 meters.
He said the high waves destroyed hundreds of building in the beach tourism area in Gunung Kidul. Some 101 gazebos, 21 shops, 3 buildings owned by Search and Rescue team, and several gabions. Meanwhile in Kulon Progo, the high waves hit 54 shops, 7 boats, 5 shrimp ponds, and several tourism buildings. However, no casualties were reported.
Sutopo said BNPB has not calculate the entire damages caused by the tidal wave, but the economic loss is estimated to reach billions of rupiah.
He explained the phenomenon of a tidal wave and high tide flood are potential to occur in the next few days. He advised the public, including fishermens, to always be aware when doing activities in coastal areas. “Tourists on beaches must also stay cautious. Obey the restrictions and regulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, maritime site: bmkg.go.id mentioned that a 2.5-4 meter height wave will still occur in a number of locations over the next week, including in the waters of Sabang-Banda Aceh, western waters of Simeulue Island up to Mentawai Island.
Other areas hit by high waves inlcude Bengkulu waters, Enggano Island, West Lampung Waters, Southern Sunda Strait, Java Island Southern Waters, Bali Southern Waters up to Southern East Nusa Tenggara.
“The tidal wave phenomenon will still occur until June 23, 2016,” BMKG Chief Andi Eka Sakya said.
ARKHELAUS W
