Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) A. A. La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti has asked the public to increase vigilance against the risk of natural disasters during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“For the people of East Java, especially (those living in) areas prone to coastal flooding, I urge you to be aware of the potential for floods or other disasters ahead of the new year,” he said here on Wednesday.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast rainfall in East Java region during the new year period.

Mattalitti said that the disasters that have occurred across East Java should serve as a warning to the community.

“(People should) continue to increase vigilance against the threats of disasters, especially ahead of New Year’s Eve. Pay attention to houses that are left to celebrate the new year,” he added.

He expressed the hope that the public will not indulge in excessive New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“This unfavorable weather cannot be ignored. It is better for the public to be vigilant while anticipating unwanted things,” he said.

Earlier, the Situbondo northern beach (pantura), East Java, was hit by coastal flooding, and Sumenep district was pummelled by strong winds. Meanwhile, high waves struck the coast of Gili Ketapang Island, Sumberasih, Probolinggo district.

Furthermore, several shipwrecks and damaged homes were reported in Tuban district due to high waves.

BMKG appealed to local governments and residents living along river basins and hilly areas to increase vigilance and preparedness against potential natural disasters during heavy rains.

BMKG’s meteorology deputy Guswanto said that the factors leading to the extreme weather potential at the end of the year have included atmospheric change phenomena around Indonesia, such as the Asian monsoon, cold snap, the formation of a low-pressure center around Australia and Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO), along with Equatorial Kelvin and Rossby waves.

Source: Antara News