Towards The End Of The Year, Beware Of Potential Rob Floods And High Waves On The South Coast Of Central Java

Photo Archives - One stall building when damaged by coastal flooding or tidal flooding on the southern coast of Cilacap, Central Java, on May 14, 2022.(ANTARA/HO-BPBD Cilacap)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reminded the public to increase awareness of the potential for tidal flooding that could occur in the southern coastal area of Central Java on December 30-31, 2024.

"The new moon phenomenon that will occur on December 31, 2024, is predicted to trigger a maximum increase in sea level," said Teguh Wardoyo, Head of the BMKG Technician Group at the Tunggul Wulung Cilacap Meteorological Station, as quoted by ANTARA.

According to Teguh, based on data monitoring sea level (water level) and tidal predictions, tidal flooding has the potential to hit several coastal areas south of Central Java, such as Cilacap, Kebumen, and Purworejo.

In the southern coastal area of Cilacap, Teguh said that on Monday (30/12), the maximum tide of sea water is estimated to reach 1.9 meters between 19.00 to 21.00 WIB. Meanwhile, on Tuesday (31/12), the maximum sea level is predicted to rise to 2 meters from 20.00 to 21.00 WIB.

"Each region has a different peak time," he explained.

Teguh added that this coastal flood could have an impact on various community activities, including loading and unloading at ports, activities in coastal settlements, salt ponds, and land fisheries.

In addition to tidal flooding, high waves are expected to occur in the Indian Ocean south of Cilacap, Kebumen, and Purworejo on December 30, 2024 to January 1, 2025. Wave heights in the region are predicted to reach 2.5 to 4 meters, which fall into the category of high waves.

This high wave, continued Teguh, was caused by an increase in wind speed due to the appearance of 98S cyclone seeds in the southwest Indian Ocean of Bengkulu. Winds in the southern region of Indonesia generally move from west to northwest at a speed of 8-27 knots.

"Strong winds were observed in several locations, including the Indian Ocean west of Bengkulu to Lampung, the Indian Ocean south of Java to NTB, the Java Sea, the North Natuna Sea, the Makassar Strait, the Banda Sea, and the Pacific Ocean north of Papua," he added.

BMKG appealed to the public to remain vigilant and alert to the impact of the maximum tide of sea water and pay attention to the latest maritime weather information from the BMKG.

"We also remind people who plan to celebrate New Year's Eve on the southern coast of Central Java to be careful of the tidal conditions, although the peak of tide is expected to occur between 20.00 and 21.00 WIB, before gradually receding," Teguh concluded.