BMKG Warns of Potential Coastal Flooding Across Several NTT Coastal Areas

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning for potential coastal flooding, or rob, which is likely to occur in a number of coastal areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) from 13 to 15 June 2026. The Head of the El Tari Kupang Meteorological Station, Sti Nenote’k, said the potential for coastal flooding was triggered by the Super New Moon phase phenomenon occurring on 15 June 2026, which could increase the maximum sea level height. “The Super New Moon phase phenomenon on 15 June has the potential to increase the height of the sea tide. This condition, coupled with wind and wave factors, can affect coastal dynamics, thereby increasing the potential for coastal flooding or rob in several areas of NTT,” said Sti Nenote’k on Sunday (14/6). According to the BMKG, coastal flooding or rob is an event where sea water rises onto coastal land, which can be caused by sea tides or specific weather factors, resulting in inundation in areas around the beach. The BMKG predicts that the areas potentially affected include the coast of Flores-Alor Island, the coast of Sabu-Raijua Island, the coast of Sumba Island, and the coast of Timor-Rote Island. People living and carrying out activities in coastal areas are urged to increase their vigilance during the warning period. “Coastal communities are expected to remain alert and continue to monitor maritime weather information updates issued by the BMKG. The potential for coastal flooding can impact various community activities in coastal areas,” he stated. He explained that possible impacts include disruption to loading and unloading activities at ports, community activities in coastal settlements, salt pond operations, and inland fisheries located near coastal areas. According to him, the wind pattern in the NTT region generally moves from the northeast to the southeast at speeds ranging from 6 to 30 knots. The highest wind speeds were monitored in a number of strategic waters and straits, such as the Sape Strait, the Flores-Lamakera Strait, the Pantar Strait, the Alor Strait, the Sumba Strait, the Sawu Sea, the Ombai Strait, Southern Waters of Sumba, Waters of Sabu-Raijua, Northern Waters of Timor, Northern Waters of Kupang-Rote, the Pukuafu Strait, Southern Waters of Timor-Rote, and the Waters of Komodo National Park. Meanwhile, wave heights in the waters are expected to be between 1.25 to 2.5 metres from 15 to 18 June 2026. Moderate waves are predicted in the Alor Strait, the western part of the Sumba Strait, the Sawu Sea, Southern Waters of Sumba, Waters of Sabu-Raijua, the Pukuafu Strait, and Southern Waters of Timor-Rote.