BMKG Sheds Light on La Nina Effects on Tropical Cyclone

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded seven tropical cyclones developing in the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea throughout October 2020, which are higher than its climatological normal of 3-4 events.

Several studies reveal that tropical cyclones happening in the West Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea were attributable to the current La Nina weather phenomenon. The climate anomaly is the periodic cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical parts of the Pacific Ocean.

The agency deputy of meteorology Herizal said that theoretically, tropical storms or cyclones can only develop in tropical areas over 10 degrees north or south latitude.

This caused by the formation of cyclones can occur should there be anomalous conditions of a warmer sea surface temperature than its surrounding area (more than 28 degrees Celsius in general) and high potential of a vortex due to Coriolis force.

“Indonesia sees a small Coriolis force because it is close to the equator, so there is a little chance of tropical cyclones to occur in the country,” Herizal concluded.

BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm in responding to false news regarding tropical storms which were considered similar to the La Nina phenomenon. People are asked to stay alert and anticipative of possible impacts of La Nina, including flooding, flash floods, and landslides due to extreme downpour.

“Be careful and pay attention to the strength level of billboards, pedestrian bridges, and dynamic and fast weather developments, as well as follow BMKG information services,” he said.

Also Read: Jokowi Calls for National Preparation in Wake of La Nina Storm

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI