VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) underlined the potential of extreme weather in several provinces as the new year draws near.

There was potential heavy rain in Java, Bali, NTB in West Nusa Tenggara, and South Sulawesi, Acting Head of BNPB's Disaster Data and Information Center, Abdul Muhari, said during the Disaster Briefing online event on Monday.

Muhari also warned those in regions with the highest frequency of hydrometeorological disasters, such as in Bogor, West Java, to be careful of flooding and landslides.

These also include Aceh, Lampung, South Sumatra, Jakarta, East Kalimantan, Maluku, and Papua even when the rainfall is at a moderate level.

"Aceh still has regions that are not yet dry. Thus, there is a concern that regions that have just experienced a flood will be wet once more," Muhari explained.

The agency called for preparing the public's readiness as well as the role of the regional governments, military, police, community, as well as Regional Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBDs).

Muhari suggested that the Environment Safety System (Siskamling) be activated to improve extreme weather disaster preparedness at the community level.

The agency remarked that extreme weather events will decline until new year each day in several provinces, he noted.

Moreover, in the event of heavy rains lasting for over two hours, the people should be willing to evacuate independently, he emphasized.

In relation to this extreme weather potential, the agency also warned people to be cautious while taking a vacation during the Christmas and 2023 New Year holiday period.

In particular, people, who visit the river, waterfall, and beach area during the holiday period, are advised to be careful. (antaranews)