Yogyakarta BPBD Warns of Respiratory Infection and Heat Stroke Risks

The Yogyakarta City Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) is increasing its preparedness to face temperature changes resulting from the El Niño phenomenon during the 2026 dry season. BPBD Yogyakarta City Junior Expert Policy Analyst Iswari Mahendrarko stated that the measure follows a forecast from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) indicating that this year’s rainy season is expected to arrive later than usual due to the influence of El Niño. “BPBD is enhancing preparedness through the Tegal Turi BPBD Post and the Rapid Reaction Team, which are on standby 24 hours a day to monitor developments on the ground and accelerate handling in the event of an emergency,” Iswari said in Yogyakarta on Saturday (11/7), citing Antara. In addition to anticipating drought and fires, BPBD is also urging the public to be aware of the ‘bediding’ phenomenon, a weather condition characterised by cold air temperatures at night and in the morning, but turning hot during the day. According to Iswari, the bediding phenomenon is a common condition during the peak of the dry season. It is triggered by reduced cloud cover, allowing the sun’s heat to reach the earth’s surface more easily during the day. Conversely, at night, the heat stored on the earth’s surface is released into the atmosphere more quickly, causing air temperatures to drop. “As a result, people experience quite extreme temperature differences. At night and in the morning, the air feels cold with temperatures ranging from 19 to 21 degrees Celsius, while during the day, temperatures can reach 31 to 32 degrees Celsius,” he said. He cautioned that such sharp temperature changes could potentially cause health problems. Dry and dusty air can trigger acute respiratory infections (ARI), coughs, flu, and respiratory tract irritation, as well as lower the body’s immune system. On the other hand, high daytime temperatures also increase the risk of dehydration and heat stroke, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. BPBD also reminded the public to be more vigilant about the potential for fires during the dry season. Dried vegetation, high air temperatures, and strong winds make it easier for fires to spread if triggered by negligence. “We urge the public not to burn rubbish carelessly, not to discard cigarette butts on dry land, and to ensure that home electrical installations are safe to prevent fires,” Iswari said.