Light to Moderate Rain Potentially Flooding North Sumatra, BMKG Asks Residents to Be Alert for Floods and Landslides

MEDAN - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reminded the public to be alert to the potential for long-term rain in a number of areas of North Sumatra on Monday, January 12, which is at risk of triggering floods and landslides.

BMKG Regional I Praktirawan Defri Mendoza said that light to moderate intensity rain was potentially occurring in various areas in North Sumatra throughout the day.

"In general, the weather conditions in the morning are cloudy and there is a potential for light rain in some areas, such as Central Tapanuli and Sibolga," said Defri in Medan, Antara, Sunday, January 11.

In the afternoon and evening, he said, the weather is still dominated by clouds with the potential for light rain in North Padang Lawas, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, Mandailing Natal, Padang Lawas, and Humbang Hasundutan.

Meanwhile, at night, light to moderate rain is still likely to occur in a number of areas. Moderate intensity rain is expected to rain on Langkat Regency and its surroundings.

"In the early morning, light to moderate rain is potentially occurring in the Langkat and Karo regions," he said.

BMKG recorded air temperatures in North Sumatra ranging from 13 to 33 degrees Celsius, with air humidity of 65-89 percent. The wind blows from the south to the southwest with an average speed of 4-11 kilometers per hour.

Defri appealed to the public to increase vigilance, especially those living in the western slopes and the west coast of North Sumatra.

"The public is urged to remain vigilant against the potential for light to moderate rain that occurs with a long enough duration, because it can trigger hydrometeorological disasters such as floods and landslides," said Defri.