Ahead Of Eid Al-Fitr, The Lebak BPBD Asks Residents To Be Prepared For Heavy Rain Accompanied By Strong Winds

A number of residents are active in waterlogged areas in Lebak Regency, Banten / Photo: Antara

LEBAK - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lebak Regency, Banten Province is on alert for heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning, Friday.

"Opportunities for extreme weather occur during the day and into the evening," said Head of the Lebak Regency BPBD Emergency and Logistics Section Agus Reza Faisal in Lebak, Friday, April 29.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued information on forecasts of heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds.

The bad weather forecast, he said, has the potential for natural disasters, such as tornadoes, landslides, floods, and lightning strikes.

He asked the public to increase awareness of bad weather forecasts to reduce the risk of disaster, so as not to cause casualties.

To anticipate natural disasters, the local BPBD prepares evacuation equipment and coordinates with other agencies, including the TNI, Polri, DPUPR, PLN, Social Service, Health Office, volunteers, and Basarnas.

In addition, preparing logistics for food availability so as not to cause hunger.

"We have prepared logistical stocks in the form of rice, side dishes, ready-to-eat food, and various foods that are sufficient for the next six months," he said.

He said heavy rains accompanied by strong winds and lightning were due to the presence of Tropical Cyclone 98S which was observed in the Indian Ocean south of Central Java with a maximum wind speed of 30 knots and a minimum air pressure of 1,002 millibars.

"The potential of 98S seedlings to grow into tropical cyclones in the next 24 hours is in the high category," he said.