Semarang – Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) anticipates tidal flooding along the northern coast of Central Java until next July, officials said Friday (25/6). The statement follows tidal floods that hit 10 regencies and cities in the province between 18 and 23 June.
Central Java BPBD Head of Emergency Dikki Rulli Perkasa said that they are preparing for emergency situations until July 2022. “All regencies/cities are ready for evacuation. We have also mapped out logistical and equipment needs,” he said.
Perkasa said that they are coordinating with the Meteorological, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for updates on the flooding, which has occurred since May 2022 and is estimated to last until next month. While the peak was predicted to occur on last June 23, there are at least 17 regencies/cities in Central Java that have the potential to be affected by the tidal wave, mostly on the north coast of Java, and partly on the south coast.
The areas on the north coast are Rembang, Pati, Jepara, Demak, Semarang City, Kendal, Batang, Pekalongan Regency, Pekalongan City, Pemalang, Tegal Regency, Tegal City, and Brebes. Meanwhile, areas on the south coast that have the potential to be affected by the tidal wave are Cilacap, Kebumen, Purworejo, and Wonogiri.
Head of the Semarang Tanjung Emas Maritime Meteorological Station, Retno Widyaningsih, stated that the increase in wave height at the peak of the tidal wave last Thursday was caused by winds blowing consistently at a speed of 46 km/hour, mainly in the outer part of central Java. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: PLN officers stand guard in puddles of tidal or tidal flood water in the parking lot of Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang, Central Java (Monday, June 13, 2022). (BanGhoL/shutterstock.com)
