Ten regions in North Sulawesi at risk of coastal flooding due to 'Super New Moon' on 14 July

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that ten regencies and cities in North Sulawesi are at risk of coastal flooding, or rob, due to the Super New Moon phenomenon on 14 July 2026. Ricky Daniel Aror, Head of the Observation and Information Team at the BMKG Bitung Maritime Meteorology Station, stated that monitoring of sea level data and tidal predictions indicates potential coastal flooding in 18 coastal regions across Indonesia, including several areas in North Sulawesi. The phenomenon occurs as the new moon phase coincides with the moon’s closest position to Earth (perigee), which is expected to increase the maximum sea level and trigger flooding in vulnerable coastal areas. The affected regions include Bolaang Mongondow Regency, South Minahasa Regency, Manado Tua (Manado City), Sitaro Islands Regency, Bitung City, Kema (North Minahasa), and Talaud Islands Regency from 14 to 17 July, while Southeast Minahasa Regency is at risk from 14 to 16 July. The BMKG has urged the public, particularly those active in coastal areas, ports, beachside settlements, and the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, to heighten their vigilance against potential tidal inundation during this period. Residents are also advised to continuously monitor the latest maritime weather information and early warnings issued by the BMKG as a basis for planning activities in coastal areas.