BMKG Warns of Potential Coastal Flooding in Bintan and Lingga from 1-12 April

Batam (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has issued an early warning for potential coastal flooding (rob) expected to occur from 1 to 12 April 2026 in several coastal areas of Riau Islands Province, particularly Bintan and Lingga Regencies.

The Head of the Hang Nadim Meteorology Station in Batam, Ramlan, stated that the potential for coastal flooding is due to the full moon phase on 2 April 2026, which could increase the maximum sea level height.

“Based on monitoring of water level data and tide predictions, coastal communities are urged to be alert to the potential for coastal flooding during that period,” he said when contacted in Batam on Monday.

The areas assessed as most vulnerable to impact include the coastal regions of West Singkep Subdistrict, Singkep Coastal Subdistrict, and Senayang Subdistrict in Lingga Regency.

Ramlan explained that this potential coastal flooding could affect various community activities in coastal areas, from loading and unloading operations at ports, residents’ activities in coastal settlements, to salt pond and land-based fisheries activities.

“In general, community activities around ports and coastal areas are likely to be disrupted due to rising sea levels,” he said.

BMKG Batam also noted that the peak maximum high tide is expected to occur from 08:00 to 12:00 WIB, so the public is asked to increase vigilance during that time frame.

“We have already conveyed the early warning to local governments and the public, especially those active in waters such as fishermen and coastal residents, to be more careful and alert,” said Ramlan.

He also reminded the public to continue monitoring official information from BMKG Batam and to adjust daily activities according to sea tide conditions.

BMKG Batam hopes that this early warning will enhance the preparedness of coastal communities in areas prone to rob flooding.