BMKG Asks NTB Residents To Beware Of Meteorological Drought Disasters Until The End Of September

Illustration of drought (ANTARA)

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) appealed to residents of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to be aware of meteorological drought during the peak period of the dry season in September 2023.

"In this period of peak drought, be aware of meteorological drought," said BMKG forecast for NTB Climatology Station, Holy Agustiarini, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, September 21.

Several areas, he continued, need attention because they are an early warning area for the Alert Level, including Dompu Regency in Kilo District, Bima Regency in Belo, Lambitu, Palibelo, and Wawo Districts.

Then Bima City in Raba, Asakota, East Rasanae and West Rasanae Districts. Mataram City in Mataram and Ampenan Districts. West Lombok Regency in Batu Layar, Gerung, and Lembar Districts. Also Central Lombok Regency in Batuliang, Janapria and West Praya Districts.

Meanwhile, the Level of Alert for drought, he said, was found, among others, in Dompu Regency in Huu District, Bima Regency in Lambbu and Sape Districts. Then in Central Lombok Regency in Southwest Praya District, and Pujut. East Lombok Regency in Aikmel, Keruak, Montong Gading, and West Sakra Districts. Sumbawa Regency in Empang, Labangka, and Rhee Districts, as well as West Sumbawa Districts in Sekongkang and Seteluk.

"The Alert Level is located in Dompu Regency in Pajo District and Bima Regency in Madapangga District," he said.

Rainfall in the NTB region on the second basis of September 2023 is generally in the low category, which is almost evenly distributed throughout NTB.

Intermediate rainfall was observed only in parts of the northern part of West Lombok. The highest rainfall was recorded at the Sigerongan Rain Post, West Lombok Regency, amounting to 79 basic millimeters.

"The nature of rain on the second basis of September 2023 in the NTB region varies from the lower normal category (BN) to the above normal (AN)," he said.

On the basis of September III, 2023 (September 21 - 30, 2023), the opportunity for rain is predicted to be very low. It is estimated that rainfall with an intensity of less than 20 millimeters/basis has a probability of an incident of less than 10 percent which is evenly distributed throughout the NTB region.

"In the peak period of this year's dry season, the people of NTB are advised to use water wisely, effectively, and efficiently. The public also needs to be aware of the occurrence of forest and land fires and droughts that generally occur during the peak period of the dry season," he said.