BMKG Warns of Possible Severe Flooding in Jakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the peak of rainfall in Jakarta was expected to occur in February 2024, with rainfall beginning to increase in December 2023. The rainy season will last until March 2024.

Although rainfall in the capital area is in the low to medium intensity range, residents need to be aware of high rainfall in the southern region, particularly in Bogor. 

“Rainfall in the southern region is in the high-intensity category,” the agency’s weather forecast and early warning unit coordinator, Miming Saepudin, said in an online seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Saepudin explained that heavy rainfall could potentially cause severe flooding, especially if accompanied by high tides on Jakarta's north coast.

Citing data from 1918 to 2020, he said major floods hit the city in January and February. During this period, several natural phenomena occurred simultaneously, such as cold surges, the Madden-Julian Oscillation, and the Borneo vortex in the South China Sea.

“When these phenomena occur, Jakarta must be careful because historically, they have influenced quite large floods in several areas,” he explained.

Saepudin also reported that the rainy season in Jakarta is likely to be normal, except for South Jakarta, which is below normal. The rainfall intensity in Jakarta tends to be lower than in the surrounding regions, but people are advised to expect high rainfall in the southern part of Greater Jakarta or Jabodetabek.

ANTARA

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