Alert! As Of February 20, 7 Areas In Palu Have Potential Hydrometeorological Disasters

Heavy clouds surround the sky in a residential area in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (ANTARA)

PALU - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has appealed to seven regions in Central Sulawesi Province (Central Sulawesi) to be on alert for potential hydrometeorological disasters until February 20, 2023.

"According to a study of phenomena in the atmosphere, the rain will still occur frequently until February 20 in this province," said the Head of the BMKG Class II Meteorological Station Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Palu, Nur Alim, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, February 15.

He stated that seven regions in Central Sulawesi are on alert for hydrometeorological potential, namely Buol, Parigi Moutong, Tolitoli, Tojo Una-Una, Sigi, Poso, and North Morowali Regencies.

Therefore, each local government (pemda), he said, needs to take anticipatory steps, especially in residential areas along rivers and around mountain slopes.

This is because, he continued, soil that has been drenched in rain for days has the potential to break off or slide, because the adhesive power decreases so that the soil becomes saturated.

"There is potential for landslides to occur in areas that are commonly affected by hydrometeorological disasters, namely the districts of Sigi, Donggala, Parigi Moutong, and the Morowali and North Morowali regions," he explained.

Moreover, in areas that have a history of hydro-meteorological disasters, according to him, the possibility of disasters recurring if no anticipation is taken, one of which is repairing natural channels that have been filled with sedimentation.

"According to weather forecasts, the rain will still occur frequently at night, in the early morning, and in the morning, with light, moderate or heavy intensity," he said.

According to the BMKG, short rain durations of 30 to 60 minutes and long durations of 69 minutes and above are still possible, depending on weather conditions because this area is a non-seasonal zone area so the weather changes very quickly.

He also appealed to motorists crossing mountain routes during the day and night to remain vigilant and alert, because these routes have the potential for landslides during the rainy season.

"Although this is only an appeal, it needs to be considered because hydrometeorological disasters can occur anytime and anywhere, so we must fortify ourselves by paying attention to the information conveyed by the government," said Alim.

He also appealed to motorists who pass through mountainous routes during the day and night to remain careful and vigilant, because these routes have the potential for landslides during the rainy season. "Although this is only an appeal, it needs to be considered because hydrometeorological disasters can occur anywhere and anytime, so we must strengthen ourselves by paying attention to the information conveyed by the government," said Alim.