BMKG Warns of Potential Extreme Weather in the Papua Highlands Through April 2026
BMKG, through the Wamena Class III Meteorology Station, issued an early warning regarding the potential for extreme weather in the Papua Highlands. Residents were urged to heighten their vigilance against hydrometeorological hazards that are forecast to persist until April 2026.
The Papua Highlands region, which encompasses Jayawijaya, Lanny Jaya, Nduga, Tolikara, Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Yalimo, and Mamberamo Tengah (Mamteng) regencies, remains susceptible to extreme weather into next month.
Acting Head of the Wamena Class III Meteorology Station, Laura SM Runggeari, explained that almost the entire Papua Highlands is currently in the rainy season, with atmospheric conditions that are active, increasing the risk of hydrometeorological disasters.
‘Hydrometeorological disasters are natural hazards triggered by atmospheric activity, weather, climate and hydrology, such as heavy rainfall, drought, strong winds or extreme temperatures, so residents need to anticipate them,’ Laura said in an official statement in Wamena on Wednesday (4 March).
According to Laura, these disasters include floods, landslides, drought, and tornadoes. Data show that in Indonesia, more than 90 per cent of annual disasters are closely linked to hydrometeorological factors.
Some areas in the Papua Highlands have already experienced floods and landslides during rainfall of moderate to heavy intensity.
Given the ongoing rainy season, BMKG asks residents in the eight regencies to be more cautious, especially when undertaking outdoor activities.
‘People should exercise greater caution when engaged in outdoor activities during rainfall of light to heavy intensity. It is especially important at night to increase vigilance,’ she stressed.
Local governments and communities are expected to take mitigation measures such as clearing drainage channels and monitoring cliff conditions around settlements to prevent loss of life or material damage from extreme weather forecast to last until April 2026. (Ant/Z-10)