Banjarnegara BPBD urges residents to stay vigilant for potential landslides

Banjarnegara, Central Java — The Banjarnegara Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has urged the public to heighten vigilance for potential landslides during March 2026 as forecasts indicate heavy rainfall across the area. “Banjarnegara is one of the areas with moderate to high landslide potential, so residents, especially those living on slopes or in hilly areas, should increase vigilance during heavy rainfall,” said Aji Piluroso, the BPBD head for Banjarnegara, on Friday afternoon.

The warning refers to an early warning letter on landslide potential issued by the Central Java Province Energy and Mineral Resources Department (ESDM) based on a compilation of vulnerability maps from PVMBG (Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation) and rainfall forecasts from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). In letter number B/500.10.5/92/2026 dated 4 March 2026, it states that rainfall in Central Java during March is projected to range from 151 millimetres to more than 500 millimetres, in the moderate to very high category. “This condition could increase the risk of landslide disasters in several areas, including Banjarnegara Regency,” he said.

Specifically, rainfall of 401-500 millimetres or high category is expected in parts of Banjarnegara. Meanwhile, rainfall above 500 millimetres or very high category could occur in the northern part of Banjarnegara, increasing the landslide risk, particularly in areas with medium to high soil vulnerability and rainfall above 300 millimetres.

Moreover, Aji said BPBD Banjarnegara has prepared several mitigation steps, including increasing monitoring of landslide-prone areas and intensifying coordination with village governments, volunteers, and related agencies. The agency also urged residents to recognise early signs of potential landslides such as ground cracks, trees tilting, or changes in water flow on hillside slopes. “We also urge residents to report to the village government or disaster-management officers if they observe signs of potential landslides so that preventive measures can be taken promptly,” he said. He added that residents living in vulnerable areas should heighten vigilance, especially during prolonged rainfall lasting more than two hours, as such conditions can trigger ground movement. “Public preparedness is a crucial factor in reducing disaster risk,” he said.