Bandung, IndoneesiaSentinel.com — The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of Sultan Babullah Ternate Station has urged residents of Ternate, North Maluku, to remain alert and avoid riverbanks over the next two days due to potential flood. The warning comes after significant convective cloud formations were observed over Ternate, potentially leading to heavy rainfall.
BMKG reported moderate to heavy rain across Ternate Island on Friday night, beginning at 10:00 PM local time. “Clouds are generally moving westward at speeds ranging from 5 to 15 kilometers per hour. This condition is expected to persist for the next two hours,” stated Sukimin, Head of BMKG Sultan Babullah Ternate Station, in a written statement received by Tempo on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
BMKG Warn Heavy Rain Forecast Across Indonesia as Atmospheric Phenomena Converge
According to Sukimin, three areas on Ternate Island Rua, Togafo, and Taduma are still at risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides due to the heavy rainfall. Residents in these areas are advised to remain alert, avoid riverbanks, and refrain from activities near landslide area.
“We also urge local authorities to implement disaster mitigation measures and reduce risks in the affected areas, while disseminating early warnings to residents,” Sukimin added.
Ternate Mayor Tauhid Solemain stated that in response to the changing weather conditions on Ternate Island, the local government has deployed personnel to monitor disaster prone areas regularly. He also noted that dangerous locations have been closed off in accordance with BMKG recommendations.
“I have instructed village heads and subdistrict chiefs to inform the public and advise them to temporarily avoid activities in disaster prone areas. I will continue to monitor this situation closely,” Tauhid said.
Earlier, a flash flood carrying volcanic material from Mount Gamalama struck ternate in the early hours of Sunday, August 25, 2024. The disaster claimed at least 18 lives, severely damaged dozens of homes, and left 253 people displaced. The flood also cut off road access to Rua Village.
(Raidi/Agung)
