Be Alert, There Will Be High Waves Up To 4 Meters In Several Indonesian Waters

Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati. (Doc. VOI)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning of high waves that could potentially occur in several water areas on December 30 - January 2, 2025.

Cyclone seeds 98S (94.5$BT and 15.9$LS) in the southwest Indian Ocean Bengkulu triggered an increase in wind speed and wave height. Wind patterns in northern parts of Indonesia generally move from the Northwest - Northeast with wind speeds ranging from 8 - 25 knots, while in the southern part of Indonesia generally moves from the West - Northwest with wind speeds ranging from 8 - 27 knots. The highest wind speed was observed in the western Indian Ocean of Bengkulu - Lampung, southern Indian Ocean Java - NTB, Java Sea, North Natuna Sea and the northern Pacific Ocean of Papua.

This condition causes an increase in waves as high as 1.25 - 2.5 meters to occur in the northern part of the Malacca Strait, Natuna Sea, West Indian Ocean Aceh - Lampung, South Indian Ocean Banten - Central Java, South Indian Ocean NTB - NTT, Karimata Strait, southern Sunda Strait, Java Sea, Savu Sea, southern Makassar Strait, eastern Sulawesi Sea, Maluku Sea, Arafuru Sea, North Pacific Ocean Maluku - Papua.

Meanwhile, higher waves in the range of 2.50 - 4.0 meters are likely to occur in the North Natuna Sea and South Indian Ocean East Java - Bali. The potential for high waves in some areas could pose a risk to shipping safety.

The Head of BMKG always urges the public to always be vigilant, especially for fishermen who are active in transportation modes such as Fishing Boats (wind speeds of more than 15 knots and wave heights above 1.25 m), Barges (wind speeds of more than 16 knots and wave heights above 1.5 m), Ferry Ships (wind speeds of more than 21 knots and wave heights above 2.5 m), and Large-Size Ships such as Cargo Ships/Pesiar Ships (wind speeds of more than 27 knots and wave heights above 4.0 m).

"We ask people who live and work on the coast around areas where high waves are likely to occur so that they remain vigilant," wrote BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati in a written statement received on Monday, December 30.