BMKG Batam Issues Early Warning For Rob Floods In Riau Islands

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency of Meteorology (BMKG) Class I Hang Nadim Batam Station issued an early warning for tidal flooding in the coastal areas of Batam City, Bintan, and Karimun Regencies on Saturday, December 18.

"The potential for coastal flooding (ROB) in the coastal areas of Batam, Bintan, and Karimun on December 18, 2021, is due to the phenomenon of the Full Moon phase", said BMKG forecaster Hang Nadim Batam, Debora Trully, quoted by Antara on Friday, December 17.

The warning takes effect from Saturday, December 18 at 7:00 a.m. to Sunday, December 19, at 7:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time.

She detailed that for the coast of Batam and its surroundings, the maximum tide is estimated to be twice. The first is at 9.00 WIB with a height of 2.6 meters and the second tide is at 23.00 WIB, with the same height, 2.6 meters.

On the shores of the Tanjunguban coast and its surroundings, the first maximum tide is at 8.00 WIB with a height of 2.3 meters and the second at 23.00 WIB with the same height of 2.3 meters.

Meanwhile, on the shores of the Kijang Strait and its surroundings, the first maximum tide is at 8.00 WIB with a height of 1.9 meters and the second is at 7.00 WIB with the same height of 1.9 meters.

In the coastal area of Tanjungbalai Karimun and its surroundings, the first maximum tide is at 10.00 WIB with a height of 3.4 meters and the second is at 22.00 WIB with a height of 2.4 meters.

"With this phenomenon, people around the coast, riverbanks, and lower areas are advised to remain vigilant and alert to anticipate the impact of maximum tides, such as inundation", said Debora.

She also asked the public to always pay attention to weather information and the latest waves from the BMKG.

Meanwhile, apart from Riau Islands, BMKG also issued warnings for potential coastal flooding in 22 other areas.

In a statement, the BMKG stated that the full moon phase and heavy rainfall in several parts of Indonesia could result in a more significant increase in tidal flood heights.

The BMKG said this condition, in general, could disrupt the daily activities of people around ports and coasts, such as loading and unloading activities at ports, activities in coastal settlements, as well as salt farming and inland fishing activities.

The public is advised to always be alert and ready to anticipate the impact of high waves and maximum tides of seawater.