Beware Of Forest Fires In Aceh, BMKG Has Detected 14 Hotspots

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The BMKG has detected 14 hot spots in the Aceh region that have the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) in the middle of the dry season.

"Today we detected 14 hot spots in the Aceh region. We urge the public to be aware of potential land fires," said BMKG Class I Data and Information Coordinator Sultan Iskandar Muda Aceh Besar, Zakaria Ahmad, Monday, July 18, quoted from Antara.

Zakaria explained that currently Aceh is still in a wet dry season. Although there is still rainfall, the weather conditions are more dominant in hot temperatures and the emergence of hot spots.

A total of 14 hotspots were detected in South Aceh District, seven points with a moderate level of confidence, from the results of the Terra, Aqua, and Suomi NPP satellite sensors.

Then, four points in Aceh Singkil, two points in Subulussalam City and one point in Gayo Lues.

Previously, on Sunday (17/7), the BMKG also detected eight hotspots in the Aceh region with a moderate level of confidence. Covering four points in Aceh Singkil Regency, four points in South Aceh.

Therefore, Zakaria asked the community not to clear land by burning. Because with the emergence of hot spots, forests and land will be easily burned when there is a source of fire.

"Our people are still not very aware of the dangers of forest fires, because our people open land often by burning as a more practical solution," said Zakaria.

This can also be exacerbated by the condition in Aceh which is currently in the west wind season, namely the wind speed is already in the high category, between 20-60 kilometers per hour.

"This westerly wind will last until the end of August or early September," said Zakaria.

In addition, BMKG also reminded residents of the potential for high sea waves in the next few days in the Aceh region.

He said, for the northern waters of Sabang, the western waters of Aceh, the northern part of the Malacca Strait and the West Indian Ocean of Aceh, the potential for sea waves reaches 3 meters or more.

Furthermore, the waters of Sabang-Banda Aceh, the waters of Lhokseumawe and the waters of Meulaboh-Sinabang Islands with potential sea wave heights between 0.50 - 2.25 meters.