Extreme Weather to Persist in Semarang, BNPB Warns

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) urges the public to remain vigilant against potential hydrometeorological disasters for the next few days. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency or BMKG has given early warnings about the potential for extreme weather in some areas, including Semarang and its surroundings.

Endro Pudyo Martanto, Head of the Semarang City Regional Disaster Management Agency, said that heavy rain is still falling on Semarang and its surroundings. Several areas in the city have been flooded with heights ranging from 15-80 centimeters. "Due to the ongoing rain until midnight, the flood shows an upward trend," Endro said in an official statement on Wednesday, March 13.

He urged residents who live under cliff slopes and riverbanks to evacuate to safer places if heavy rains persist for more than two hours. "The community and local government are also expected to cooperate in an effort to reduce disaster risk," he said.

In addition to the potential for extreme rain, data from the BMKG's Maritime Meteorology Center also released data on 1.25 to 2.5 meters high waves in the waters of the central parts of the Java Sea. The high waves could potentially cause tidal flooding in the northern coastal areas.

Several major rivers in the upstream area of Semarang Regency have also risen due to heavy rainfall over the past few days.

Semarang has been besieged by floods after extreme weather in the form of heavy rain with lightning and strong winds hit the city on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Based on the climatology satellite monitoring by BMKG, as of 20:50-23:45 local time, the areas affected by this extreme weather include Semarang City, Kendal Regency, Semarang Regency, Salatiga City, parts of Demak Regency and Grobogan Regency.

INTAN SETIAWANTY

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