BMKG warns of very high waves in the Lombok Strait

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned of the potential for very high sea waves reaching four to six metres in the southern part of the Lombok Strait, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). “We urge the public to always be vigilant, especially those who are active around areas that are likely to experience high waves,” said NTB Meteorological Station Forecaster Andre Jersey in Mataram on Tuesday. The BMKG reported that surface winds in the West Nusa Tenggara region are currently blowing with a dominant variation from the east to the south, with maximum wind speeds reaching 37 kilometres per hour. Increased wind speeds are likely to occur in the northern and southern Lombok Strait, the southern waters of Lombok Island, the southern part of the Alas Strait, the northern and southern waters of Sumbawa Island, and the Indian Ocean south of NTB from morning until early morning. Barges are at risk if sea waves exceed 1.5 metres, ferries at risk if waves exceed 2.5 metres, and large vessels such as cruise ships and cargo ships are at risk if sea waves exceed 4 metres. The BMKG noted that four other areas are also experiencing high waves reaching 2.5 to 4 metres, namely the northern and southern parts of the Alas Strait, the southern waters of Sumbawa, and the Indian Ocean south of NTB. Meanwhile, areas experiencing low waves of only 0.5 to 1.25 metres are the northern part of the Lombok Strait, the northern waters of Sumbawa, the northern part of the Sape Strait, and the southern part of the Sape Strait.