BMKG Explains The Cause Of Potential Rob Floods On The West Sumatra Coast

Photo of the air of a ship stranded due to high waves on Padang Beach, West Sumatra. (ANTARA/Fandi Yogari).

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of the Minangkabau Meteorological Station, Padang Pariaman, explained the potential cause of tidal flooding or coastal flooding in the coastal areas of West Sumatra (West Sumatra).

"Based on the data, the condition of the west coast of West Sumatra will experience an increase or increase in sea water due to normal weather phenomena," said the Coordinator for Observation and Information at the Minangkabau Meteorological Station Yudha Nugraha in Padang as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 1.

Yudha explained that this was due to the gravitational activity of the moon which is currently in the middle of Muharram (14-15) or the conjunction of the full moon.

Regarding the potential for tidal flooding, it tends to be followed by weather conditions. The weather tendency in the West Sumatra region, especially during the maximum tide, is followed by rain, especially from August 1 to 2, 2023.

"So both factors are rising tides, and secondly due to increased water abundances or high rainfall intensity triggers or has the potential for flooding on the coast," Yudha explained.

Referring to BMKG data, the tidal forecast on Tuesday (1/8) is estimated to reach 0.9 meters at 18.00 WIB, and tides with an altitude of 0.2 meters at 12.00 WIB.

The potential for tidal flooding is almost evenly distributed in regencies and cities in West Sumatra, especially around the coast. Starting from West Pasaman Regency, Agam Regency, Pariaman City, Padang Pariaman Regency, Padang City, South Coast to Mentawai Islands Regency.

However, the conditions and characteristics of each beach will affect the overflow of the tidal flood. Beaches that have embankments or water resistance are not expected to be too affected compared to areas lower than sea level.

Not only in coastal areas, BMKG also reminded people living around river estuaries or downstream rivers to also have the potential to be hit by tidal flooding.