TEMPO.CO, Madiun - The Head of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Madiun, Mohammad Syahrowi, predicted that heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and hail may hit the regency for the next few days. “Because we are under a transition season period [from dry to rain season],” he told Tempo on Monday, October 18.

Syahrowi explained there was a high-temperature gap between regions at the beginning of this year’s rainy season. The hot and cold air met and formed Cumulonimbus clouds, triggering strong winds during rainfall.

Meanwhile, hail potentially occurs due to the change of water into ice particles which are influenced by low air at high altitudes. “Hail had occurred in Sumber Bendo Village, Saradan District, yesterday afternoon,” he informed.

The hail and strong winds caused a number of houses and trees in the areas to collapse. There were no fatalities yet material losses were estimated to reach Rp23 million.

Heavy rain and strong winds also hit Randu Alas Village, Bolo Village, Kare District; Kresek Village, Wungu District; and Pilangkenceng District. A number of houses were damaged, a cow was even crushed by falling debris to death, and an electric pole also fell.

Syahrowi said that further incidents potentially occur in a number of other Madiun sub-districts. The local BPBD mapped locations prone to strong winds, such as Balerejo, Wonoasri, Pilangkenceng, Saradan, Gemarang, Kare, and Dagangan. “We call on residents to raise their vigilance during the transition season,” he said.

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NOFIKA DIAN NUGROHO (CONTRIBUTOR)