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03 Mar 2022 | 12:06 PM UTC

Indonesia: Further adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least March 5

Severe weather forecast across Indonesia through at least March 5. Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in multiple regions.

Warning

Event

Severe flooding is ongoing across many regions of Indonesia as of March 3, with further thunderstorms, heavy rains, strong winds forecast across the country through at least March 5 likely to exacerbate the situation in affected regions and hamper recovery efforts. The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics has issued yellow flood, heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings (the third highest level on a four-tier scale) across most of Indonesia March 3-5. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Flooding, landslides, and strong winds have impacted several regions across Indonesia in recent days, affecting tens of thousands of people and damaging thousands of homes. Affected areas include Pandeglang Regency and Serang City in Banten Province; Kudus Regency in Central Java Province; Lamongan and Pamekasan regencies in East Java Province; Langkat Regency in North Sumatra Province; and Balangan Regency in South Kalimantan Province.

Among the worst affected areas have been Serang CIty in Banten Province and Pamekasan Regency in East Java Province. Authorities have reported that two people have died and two others are missing in Serang City after heavy rainfall early March 1 triggered flooding. Many villages are still inundated by floodwaters, affecting thousands of residents. Flooding since March 1 has impacted 20 villages in Pamekasan Regency, affecting nearly 17,000 residents and leading to authorities evacuating 450 people.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across Indonesia. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could also cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The road connecting Fakfak and Bintuni regencies in West Papua Province has been flooded in Fakfak's Bahamdandara District since Feb. 22, isolating communities in the area.

The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics
Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Twitter