Indonesia: Further adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least Feb. 26 /update 2

Event

Thunderstorms, heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding are forecast to continue across Indonesia through at least Feb. 26. The adverse weather will likely exacerbate the situation in many regions where previous heavy rainfall has caused flooding.

As of Feb. 24, the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange flood warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): East Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi provinces

• Yellow flood, heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings: across most of Indonesia.

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 Sidoarjo Regency in East Java Province; Kupang Regency in East Nusa Tenggara Province; Eastern Seram Regency in Maluku Province; Morotai Island Regency in North Maluku Province; Manado City and Sitaro Islands Regency in North Sulawesi Province; Jayapura Regency in Papua Province; Sidenreng Rappang and Wajo regencies in South Sulawesi Province; Musi Rawas Regency in South Sumatra Province; Cirebon Regency in West Java Province; Fakfak Regency and Sorong City in West Papua Province; and Gunung Kudul Regency in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Among the worst affected areas have been Sitaro Regency in North Sulawesi, Gunung Kidul Regency in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and East Seram Regency in Maluku Province. In Sitaro Regency, authorities evacuated 281 people to temporary shelters after over 100 homes were damaged by flash flooding Feb. 21. In Gunung Kidul Regency, heavy rainfall and strong winds Feb. 22-23 damaged over 500 homes, affecting around 8,500 people and resulting in at least two injuries. In East Seram Regency, over 800 people were evacuated due to flash and coastal flooding Feb. 22.

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