BMKG: Warn of Potential Heavy Rain and Strong Winds in Central Kalimantan until 5 March

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) in Central Kalimantan has alerted residents of the province to be vigilant against heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning strikes over the coming three days.

“We are also issuing an early warning for residents to be watchful of the potential for moderate to heavy intensity rainfall that may be accompanied by lightning or flashes and strong winds across most of Central Kalimantan,” said BMKG Central Kalimantan forecaster at Tjilik Riwut Meteorological Station Palangka Raya, Muhamad Ihsan Sidiq, in Palangka Raya on Monday.

He explained that the warning covers 13 districts and one city across Central Kalimantan Province, including West Kotawaringin, East Kotawaringin, Sukamara, Lamandau, Seruyan, Katingan, Gunung Mas, Murung Raya, North Barito, South Barito, East Barito, Kapuas, Pulang Pisau and Palangka Raya City.

Residents in these areas have been advised to be cautious of potential disasters stemming from heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning, including flooding, flash floods, landslides and fallen trees.

“A wind convergence zone has been detected over Central Kalimantan. This condition is capable of increasing the potential for rain cloud development in the region,” he said.

However, air humidity levels are not sufficiently moist in some areas, which reduces the likelihood of rainfall in parts of Central Kalimantan. Strong local instability is also supporting convective processes at local scale, increasing the potential for rain cloud development across the province.

Muhamad Ihsan stated that the development of cumulonimbus clouds, which typically appear dark, are signs of rainfall accompanied by strong winds followed by lightning strikes. Therefore, residents who observe such phenomena should be alert and immediately seek shelter, though not under trees.

“When heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning occurs, residents must immediately seek safe shelter such as inside homes or buildings,” he said.

Residents should also keep away from billboards and signboards, large trees, and should not be in open fields or exposed areas to avoid lightning strikes.

“We are also urging Central Kalimantan residents to be vigilant about the potential for local rainfall of moderate to heavy intensity with short duration, which may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds or tornadoes,” said Muhamad Ihsan.