Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast coastal flooding or tidal flooding, to affect several coastal areas in Indonesia until the end of January 2025.
Marina, a maritime forecaster at BMKG, stated while mainly the coastal flooding were expected to last until January 17, 2025, the flooding along northern coast of Central Java is expected to persist until January 21, 2025.
“Tidal flooding is predicted to continue until January 17, 2025, but for the northern coast of Central Java, it could last until January 21, 2025,” Marina said, as reported by Kompas on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
In East Java, tidal flooding is anticipated to peak on Wednesday. Ady Hermanto, the coordinator of forecasters at BMKG Maritime Tanjung Perak Surabaya, noted that maximum tidal flooding is likely to occur on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
According to BMKG predictions, tidal levels at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya could reach heights of 130 to 150 centimeters between 8:00 p.m. and midnight local time. In other regions in East Jva, average tidal flooding is estimated to reach 120 centimeters.
Affected Regions Across Indonesia
Marina added that tidal flooding is also expected in other coastal areas of Indonesia, including the Riau Islands, West Sumatra, and Jambi. Additionally, coastal regions in West Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Maluku, and North Maluku are at risk.
BMKG issued a warning about potential coastal flooding following the Perigee, the Moon’s closest approach to Earth, on January 7, 2025. “The full moon on January 13, 2025, is also expected to intensify maximum sea levels,” Marina explained.
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Coastal flooding occurs when seawater inundates coastal areas, driven by several factors, Marina noted. “Astronomical factors include tidal variations, meteorological factors such as weather and wave heights, and topographical factors like land subsidence,” she said.
The impacts of tidal flooding can disrupt activities in coastal areas, including fisheries and other maritime operations. “Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for the effects of maximum sea levels, while also advised to regularly monitor updates from BMKG,” BMKG advised.
(Raidi/Agung)
