Greater Jakarta residents urged to brace for Cyclone Surigae
Jakarta has been dealing with heavy rain and thunderstorms in the past couple of days, and it looks like the extreme weather will still remain for a little while as Cyclone Surigae is expected to intensify in the coming week.
The Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency or BPBD DKI Jakarta has issued a warning throughout Greater Jakarta for 15th to 17th April 2021, saying that the tropical cyclone may trigger extreme weather throughout Indonesia. The agency has urged residents to remain cautious.
The cyclone may trigger floods and landslides
A warning issued by the Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency
Image credit: @BPBDJakarta
Residents in Greater Jakarta, which includes Jakarta and its satellite cities in Banten and West Java, are urged to brace for potential floods and landslides as well as strong winds and lightning.
A road blocked by collapsed trees in Jakarta
Image credit: @TMCPoldaMetro
Vehicle users are especially asked to remain cautious while on the road, as heavy rain and thunderstorms can result in limited visibility and cause objects such as trees and billboards to collapse.
On Wednesday, 14th April, floods hit the subdistrict of Cipinang Melayu, East Jakarta, resulting in dozens of residents being evacuated. According to Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria, the area is especially prone to floods in extreme weather due to its location below sea level.
The cyclone is currently moving north toward the Philippines
Image credit: Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency
Cyclone Surigae first emerged on 14th April on the Pacific Ocean north of Papua and is currently projected to move north toward the Philippines, says the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency or BMKG.
Although the cyclone is heading away from Indonesia, BMKG warns that it may trigger extreme weather throughout the country, especially in Sulawesi and Papua, and urges people to stay cautious.
Greater Jakarta residents urged to brace for Cyclone Surigae
It’s safe to say that the prospect of extreme weather prompted by Cyclone Surigae is quite alarming, especially considering that Indonesia is still dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Seroja, which caused heavy floods and landslides in East Nusa Tenggara that killed at least 183 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
We hope everyone in Greater Jakarta and other areas affected by Cyclone Surigae will stay safe as we buckle up for potentially more heavy rain and thunderstorms in the coming week.
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- Things to know about Indonesia’s controversial Omnibus Law
Cover image adapted from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency and @TMCPoldaMetro
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