High Rainfall: Bener Meriah, Aceh, on Disaster Emergency Alert

The Bener Meriah Regency Government, Aceh, has established a hydrometeorological disaster emergency alert status, effective from 5 October until 31 December 2026.

This declaration is stipulated in the Bener Meriah Regent’s Decree Number 360/520/SK/2026 regarding the Establishment of Disaster Emergency Alert Status in Bener Meriah Regency. The emergency status has been set as an anticipatory measure against the potential increase in rainfall.

Local authorities are following predictions from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and advisories from the Aceh Government, urging regions to increase preparedness in facing hydrometeorological disaster threats.

The Head of the Bener Meriah Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Ilham Abdi, stated that the purpose of this status is to ensure all disaster management elements are in a state of readiness. “This emergency alert status is an anticipatory and preparedness measure. We are not waiting for a disaster to occur before we act. All elements must increase vigilance and the readiness of personnel, equipment, and logistics,” Il_ham told reporters on Monday (5/10).

Ilham noted that based on predictions from the BMKG Class II Aceh Climatology Station, the Syiah Utama and Timang Gajah districts are predicted to experience high rainfall categories, ranging from 300-500 millimetres, in October 2026. This condition is predicted to expand in November 2026, with all districts in Bener Meriah Regency expected to fall into the high rainfall category with intensities of 300-500 millimetres per month.

Meanwhile, in December 2026, all districts are predicted to experience medium rainfall categories, specifically 150-300 millimetres per month. “This increase in rainfall has the potential to trigger several hydrometeorological disasters, such as floods, flash floods, as well as landslides and disruptions to road access and infrastructure,” he said.

Consequently, Ilham urged residents living near rivers, flood-prone areas, slopes, or regions with a history of landslides to increase their vigilance. “We urge the community, particularly those living near rivers, flood-prone areas, slopes, and areas with a history of landslides, to heighten their awareness,” he added.

With this emergency alert status, the Bener Meriah BPBD will increase the readiness of its Rapid Response Team (TRC), regional monitoring, command posts, personnel, equipment, and logistics. It is noted that during the floods and landslides at the end of 2025, Bener Meriah was one of the worst-affected areas, experiencing significant damage to public facilities and infrastructure.