LAPAN Warns of Tidal Floods Ahead of Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The penumbral lunar eclipse predicted to occur on early Saturday, January 11, at 12:05 AM Indonesia Western Time (WIB) is predicted to cause tidal floods across Indonesia's coastal areas. This was announced by the Head of National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), Thomas Djamaluddin. 

According to Thomas, the effects of the high tides will be felt numerous times throughout the day. "Coastal areas can potentially experience tidal floods. It may happen twice, morning and evening," said Thomas on Thursday, January 9, 2020. 

In relation to the storm forecasted to occur throughout January 9 to January 12 in the Jakarta area, the LAPAN Head warned people to anticipate possible floods happening in multiple areas in the city as heavy rainfall will hold back water from being directed to the sea that is experiencing high tides. 

Separately, Head of the Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Himawan Widiyanto said that the penumbral lunar eclipse will have little effect on the weather and will only slightly affect the tides. 

"The [lunar eclipse] might have some effect, but it will be insignificant," said Himawan. 

The penumbral lunar eclipse later past midnight will be the first astronomical event out of a predicted six that will happen in 2020. Throughout the year, LAPAN said the public will witness 13 solar eclipses from 2020 until 2100. 

ANTARA