Due to the current extreme weather conditions in Labuan Bajo, tourists and fishermen are urged to stay alert for heavy rain and high waves until the 3rd of February, 2025.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika or BMKG) has urged the public in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara – particularly fishermen and tourists – to remain vigilant against extreme weather conditions expected to persist until the 3rd of February, 2025. This extreme weather includes moderate to very heavy rainfall, which may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds during the peak of the rainy season.
Quoted from the press on Thursday, the 30th of January, the Head of the BMKG Class II El Tari Kupang Meteorological Station, Sti Nenotek, stated in a press release that the extreme weather is being driven by several atmospheric phenomena, including the Asian Monsoon, weak La Niña, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), cyclonic circulation, Equatorial Rossby and Kelvin atmospheric waves, and a cold surge. Additionally, areas of wind speed reduction (convergence) and wind meeting zones (confluence) in the East Nusa Tenggara region are contributing to increased rainfall intensity.
“Remain alert for the potential of moderate to very heavy rain, which may be accompanied by lightning and short-duration strong winds, across nearly all cities and districts in East Nusa Tenggara Province,” Nenotek said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Komodo Meteorology Station in West Manggarai, Maria Seran, advised that sea transport users in the waters around West Manggarai must exercise caution, as these conditions could significantly increase wave heights and surface currents.
“We urge fishermen, tourism operators, and sea transport users in the waters around West Manggarai to remain cautious during periods of rain and strong winds, which can significantly increase wave heights and surface currents, as has been forecast,” Seran explained in a written statement on the previous Wednesday, the 29th of January.
Seran also noted that this extreme weather is likely to affect several sub-districts in West Manggarai, including Komodo, Boleng, Mbeliling, Sanonggoang, Macang Pacar, Pacar, Welak, Lembor, South Lembor, West Kuwus, Kuwus, and Ndoso. The public is advised to prepare for potential impacts such as flooding, flash floods, landslides, fallen trees, and damage to buildings as well as public infrastructure.
In addition, Seran encouraged the public to stay updated on weather developments and early warnings via the InfoBMKG application or BMKG West Manggarai’s official social media account @infobmkg_manggarai_barat.
“Always ensure you follow the guidance of port authorities and relevant agencies,” Seran added.