Aceh on Alert for Heavy Rain, Mualem Warns of Potential Disasters
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning for Aceh regarding the potential for light to heavy intensity rainfall between 2-4 September 2026.
BMKG stated that these conditions could trigger several hydrometeorological disasters, such as flooding, river overflows, and landslides, which may disrupt community activities.
Several areas are predicted to experience moderate to heavy rainfall. These regions include Southwest Aceh, Aceh Besar, South Aceh, Aceh Singkil, Aceh Tamiang, Central Aceh, Southeast Aceh, East Aceh, and North Aceh.
Similar potential exists in the regencies of Bener Meriah, Bireuen, Gayo Lues, Pidie, Pidie Jaya, Subulussalam, Simeulue, and Nagan Raya.
BMKG explained that the potential increase in rainfall activity is influenced by several atmospheric dynamics. One of these is the active presence of the Rossby equatorial waves and the Madden-Julian Oscensillation (MJO) spatially within the Aceh region, alongside wind deflection areas and convergence, which can support the growth of convective clouds.
Furthermore, relatively warm sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean and northern Sumatra have the potential to increase evaporation processes.
“These conditions can contribute to the formation of rain clouds in the Aceh region,” said Dedi, a Class I Forecaster at the Sultan Iskandar Muda BMKG Station in Banda Aceh, in his statement.
The Governor of Aceh, Muzakir Manaf, also known as Mualem, acknowledged receiving information regarding the weather conditions in Aceh that could lead to heavy rainfall.
“This situation requires collective attention as it can increase the risk of floods, landslides, and other disasters in several areas,” said Mualem after coordinating with the Aceh Regional Police Chief at the Aceh Governor’s Office on Wednesday (2/9).
The Aceh Government has ensured readiness to face potential disasters, including strengthening coordination and rapid response on the ground. Previously, the administration had distributed 2026 disaster management buffer stock supplies to regencies and cities as a step to bolster preparedness.
“The most important thing is how we implement prevention and mitigation measures as early as possible so that we can minimise disaster risks and casualties among the community,” he added.