BMKG Asks West Java Residents To Be Alert To Potential Tornadoes Until March

Archives - Building conditions on Jalan Raya Bandung-Garut appear to be experiencing severe damage due to tornadoes in Bandung Regency, West Java, Thursday (22/2/2024). ANTARA/Rubby Jovan

BANDUNG - The Bandung Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) asked West Java residents to be aware of the potential for extreme weather in this area in the form of moderate to heavy rain which could potentially be hurricanes until early March 2024.

"Heavy rain accompanied by tornadoes still has the potential to occur as long as we are still at the peak of the rainy season until early March. So we need to be aware," said Head of the Bandung BMKG Geophysics Station, Teguh Rahayu, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, January 25.

Teguh explained that the tornado was formed from a rainy cloud system or cumulonimbus which has the characteristics of causing extreme weather.

Even so, he said, not every cumulonimbus cloud can occur in the tornado phenomenon.

"That tornadoes are the result of the heavy rain that was caused by the growth of clouds first, there continues to be heavy rain from extreme weather itself," he said.

In addition to the potential for tornadoes, he also asked the public to be aware of hydrometeorological disasters in the form of floods and landslides due to light to moderate rain but with a long duration.

Besides being accompanied by tornadoes, some will cause hail, maybe even if the mountainous areas can cause landslides, the drainage is not good, it can cause flooding. So all areas I think have to be vigilant," he said.

BMKG provides how many recommendations to cope if it is facing a tornado.

For example, if you are in a closed room, the action taken to close all doors and windows tightly, turn off all electricity in the house or building, and find a safe place and avoid near the door or window.

Furthermore, if you are outdoors, stay away from electric poles, billboards or other high buildings. Avoid other areas that have the potential to collapse such as bridges or tall trees, immediately look for a safe place, sit down and hold the back of your head.

"With this condition, residents are advised to be aware of disasters that produce tornadoes by checking the condition of the roofs of houses, especially made of light materials and cutting trees when they are too shady," said Teguh.