BMKG Releases Potential Extreme Weather To Hit East Kalimantan IKN Nusantara Development Site

The design of the exterior of the Presidential Palace in the State Capital (IKN) of Nusantara in East Kalimantan. (Instagram @nyoman_nuarta)

JAKARTA - BMKG released the potential for early warning of extreme weather in East Kalimantan (Kaltim), which is also the location for the construction of the National Capital (IKN) of the Archipelago in North Penajam Paser and parts of Kutai Kartanegara.

Head of the Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Class I Station (SAMS) Sepinggan BMKG Balikpapan, Erika Mardiyanti, said heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning will hit East Kalimantan on October 9-12 2022.

"For four days or on October 9-12, extreme weather is predicted to occur in a number of areas in East Kalimantan, so all parties must be vigilant," said Erika in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Sunday, October 10.

Erika explained that the potential for extreme weather occurs due to the cyclonic circulation that forms wind bend patterns, then the slowing of wind speed which can increase convective activity and the growth of rain clouds around the East Kalimantan region.

Coupled with the still warm sea surface temperature in the Makassar Strait, she said, this supports the opportunity for the formation of several groups of rain clouds in East Kalimantan, especially in the period 9-12 October 2022.

Therefore, Erika said, the weather during this period has the potential for moderate to heavy rain and can be accompanied by lightning and strong winds in East Kalimantan.

She detailed the predicted areas with extreme weather, namely all areas in Balikpapan City, Samarinda, Bontang, East Kutai Regency, Berau, Mahakam Ulu, West Kutai, Paser, and two districts where IKN Nusantara will be built, namely North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara.

"We also urge the public to always be aware of the impact of extreme weather that can trigger hydrometeorological disasters such as puddles in Samarinda City, Balikpapan, Bontang, Kutai Kartanegara, and East Kutai Regency," Erika said.

She continued, on Monday, October 10, the sub-districts in East Kalimantan that have the potential for heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds of short duration are Sengatta, Muara Wahau, Sendawar, Kelay, Derawan Island, Tabalar, Damai.

Then the Districts of Long Iram, Kaliorang, Sandaran, Laham, Bongan, Tabang, Karangan, Kongbeng, Bengalon, Long Bagun, Bentian Besar, Melak, Muara Pahu, Muara Ancalong, Muara Koman, Batu Sopang, Tanah Grogot, Penajam, all sub-districts in Bontang. and Balikpapan.

"Meanwhile, on Tuesday, October 11, it is predicted in Sengatta, Sendawar, Tabalar, Long Iram, Batu Ampar, Kaliorang, Babulu, Laham, Tabang, Kongbeng, Melak, Muara Pahu, Muara Ancalong and Muara Muntai sub-districts," she said.