Don't Be Afraid, The Phenomenon Of Clouds In Aceh Is Not Related To Tsunamis Or Mystics

Cloud scrolls in Aceh (Screenshot)

JAKARTA - The phenomenon of clouds in the form of rolling waves in Aceh, yesterday, went viral on social media. Many netizens are concerned about the potential disaster of this phenomenon.

However, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) emphasized that the tsunami-like cloud formation seen in West Aceh and Nagan Raya Districts was only a dynamic atmosphere.

"It has nothing to do with the potential for an earthquake or tsunami or mystical matters," said BMKG Deputy for Meteorology Guswanto in his statement, Tuesday, August 11.

Scientifically, in the world of meteorology, this cloud phenomenon is called the Arcus cloud. The Arcus cloud phenomenon is formed from atmospheric instability along the meeting of different air masses.

The colder air masses with the warmer and humid air masses meet to form a cloud type that has an elongated horizontal formation pattern.

"This condition can occur partly because of the phenomenon of sea breezes on a wide scale pushing air masses towards the land," said Guswanto.

Guswanto said that the arcus cloud is a cloud that commonly occurs even though the frequency of occurrence is rare, has a low cloud base height, and its formation is horizontal and extends as if it were a wave.

"This Arcus cloud phenomenon can only cause strong winds and heavy rain which can be accompanied by lightning or lightning around the cloud growth," he explained.

BMKG appealed to the public not to panic about the Arcus cloud phenomenon. However, he asked the public to remain vigilant and careful. Then the fishermen do not go to sea for a while, until the cloud is gone.

Please pray Meulaboh City is fine. This morning's view of clouds over the city of Meulaboh, West Aceh. pic.twitter.com/gU4jTSa7Zo

- Arief Arbianto (@masawep) August 10, 2020