BMKG: Be Vigilant of Potential Rain and Tidal Flooding during Eid al-Fitr in West Java
The Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has forecast low to moderate rainfall across West Java during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 period. The public has been urged to travel home during morning and midday hours, as rainfall is more frequent during afternoon and evening periods.
Teguh Rahayu, Head of Bandung Class I Geophysical Station, stated that rainfall across West Java generally falls into the low to moderate category during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 period, except in most of Majalengka, south-western Kuningan, parts of central and eastern Sumedang, and south-eastern Subang, where rainfall is expected to be high during this period.
“Weather modification operations will be conducted on a situational and needs-based basis to reduce the intensity of rainfall in areas at risk of hydrometeorological disasters,” he explained.
According to Rahayu, sea wave heights across West Java during the Eid al-Fitr period are forecast at between 1.25 and 2.5 metres, classified as moderate waves. There is potential for tidal flooding during the Eid al-Fitr holiday this year, specifically on 19 March 2026 due to the new moon phenomenon and on 22 March 2026 triggered by the perigee phenomenon, when the Earth and Moon are at their closest distance.
“I urge all stakeholders to enhance mitigation efforts against potential hydrometeorological disasters such as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall resulting in flooding, landslides and fallen trees,” he said.
Rahayu also called on relevant agencies to pay attention to road sections prone to flooding and landslides, to trim old trees that could potentially fall, and to remove signage that could collapse if exposed to strong winds. Travellers are urged to avoid roads and areas susceptible to flooding and landslides.
Hadi Wijaya, Head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), noted that during Eid al-Fitr 2026, the rainy season will still be occurring, which could trigger landslides, particularly on steep slopes and weathered volcanic rock. Therefore, the public needs to be vigilant about the occurrence of landslides.
“There are five landslide-prone points in West Java, namely in Bogor, Sukabumi, Cianjur, Tasikmalaya and Garut districts. There are several main routes that need to be monitored due to landslide risk, one of which is the Puncak Route. This route is prone to landslides during heavy rain,” he said.
According to Hadi, other main routes requiring caution include the Cibadak-Sukabumi main road and southern Garut, which provide access to mountains and natural tourist attractions. Additionally, the Lembang-Maribaya-Subang route is susceptible to landslides along cliff edges and forests.
The PVMBG urged the public to increase their vigilance during the Eid al-Fitr journey and to monitor slope conditions whilst passing through hilly areas. Travellers should reduce speed and increase caution when passing through hills and steep slopes. They should also be reminded to avoid stopping at the base of cliffs, particularly during or after rain due to landslide potential. Early warning signs of landslides include cracks on slopes, small rock falls, muddy water flowing from slopes and leaning trees.
“Travellers should use safer main routes and avoid travelling at night during heavy rain. Additionally, follow the instructions of field personnel, obey signs and take alternative routes if landslides occur,” he concluded.