Impact of Tropical Cyclone Seeds, Beware of Heavy Rain and High Waves in West Java

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has urged residents in several regions, including West Java, to be vigilant about the impacts of tropical cyclone seed 91S on Tuesday (18/3/2025). This is because the cyclone seed has the potential to cause heavy rainfall and high waves.

BMKG and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of West Java have released an early warning map regarding the occurrence of heavy rain accompanied by lightning in the northern regions of West Java, including Indramayu, Cirebon, Majalengka, and Kuningan.

Rain may also spread to surrounding areas, such as Subang, Sumedang, Bandung, and Ciamis on Tuesday (18/3/2025) until 5:00 PM WIB. This condition occurs due to the presence of tropical cyclone seeds 91S.

Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati explained that, based on analysis conducted this Tuesday at 7:00 AM WIB, a tropical cyclone seed 91S has emerged with a maximum wind speed of 15 knots or 28 kilometers per hour and a minimum air pressure of 1010 hPa.

Dwikorita stated that the cyclone seed is moving away from Indonesia's territory. Nevertheless, its impact is still felt in several regions, particularly Bengkulu, Lampung, Banten, DKI Jakarta, and West Java, which have the potential to experience moderate to heavy rainfall.

In addition, high waves reaching 2.5 meters to 4 meters are predicted to occur in the Indian Ocean south of Banten to West Nusa Tenggara.

Dwikorita said that even though the cyclone seed did not enter Indonesian territory, its impact was still significant.

"BMKG urges the public to exercise greater caution regarding the potential for heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, landslides, and falling trees," he stated.

Dwikorita hopes that people living in disaster-prone areas can take anticipatory steps to reduce the risks that may arise. In addition, activities in water areas also need to be limited considering the potential for high waves that can endanger shipping.

He added that coordination efforts with related agencies, such as BPBD, are very important. This is to ensure that mitigation efforts are effective and a quick response can be made if a disaster occurs.

"To the local government, we hope that this early warning can be responded to and heeded, and that anticipatory steps can be taken immediately," said Dwikorita.

Deputy Mayor of Bandung Erwin stated that he has prepared all related ranks to anticipate extreme weather due to the impact of cyclone seed 91S. The team prepared consists of the Bandung City Fire and Disaster Management Service and Taruna Siaga Bencana.

Erwin also appealed to Bandung City residents not to panic and to prepare disaster mitigation efforts, especially those who live near riverbanks.

"We will be on standby 24 hours to anticipate natural disasters due to the impact of cyclone seed 91S," said Erwin.