NTT Extreme Weather, Triggered by Low Pressure from Australia

Residents do not dare to leave their homes for safety reasons. Extreme weather is predicted to continue until this weekend.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Cuaca Ekstrem NTT, Terpicu Tekanan Rendah dari Australia

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

Black clouds loomed over the sky of Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday (12/3/2024). Extreme weather has hit the area.

KUPANG, KOMPAS - Strong winds accompanied by light to heavy rain have occurred in almost all areas of East Nusa Tenggara since last week. The extreme weather is potentially continuing until March 16. Seven out of 22 districts/cities in East Nusa Tenggara reported a number of disaster events as a result of the extreme weather.

As in Kupang city, on Tuesday (12/3/2024), strong winds and heavy rain occurred since early morning. Many people chose to stay at home for safety reasons. "I dare not leave the house. There are still many old tall trees on the streets. It's dangerous," said Kristo Seran (45), a resident who works as a motorcycle taxi driver.

The strong wind stirred up memories for residents who were affected by the Seroja storm in 2021. The storm paralyzed the entire NTT region for several days.

According to Kompas's records, 181 people died, 47 people were missing, and 250 people were injured. A total of 49,512 people were affected with 17,124 houses heavily damaged, 13,652 units moderately damaged, and 35,733 units slightly damaged.

Also read: Prepare When Seroja Comes Again

Head of the Eltari Kupang Class II Meteorological Station, Sti Nenot'ek, said that what is happening now is not a storm, but extreme weather. Strong winds and heavy rain have occurred since March 8 and were initially predicted to last until March 14. "But looking at current conditions, it could be until March 16. "We will continue to update developments," said Sti.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

The PLN tactical vehicle entered the area of Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday (12/3/2024).

According to Sti, the extreme weather is triggered by low pressure in the Australia region. The low pressure attracts high-speed moving masses of air towards that direction. NTT, which is located near Australia, is affected by it. The maximum wind speed reaches 29 knots or 53.7 kilometers per hour.

The issue stating that NTT will be struck by a storm like Seroja in 2021 is untrue. It is a hoax.

Sti appealed to the public to always update information by downloading the Info BMKG application or contacting the Eltari Meteorological Station on 081139404264. The rumor that NTT will be hit by a storm like Seroja in 2021 is not true. "That's a hoax," he said.

Disaster impact

Head of the NTT Disaster Management Agency, Ambrosius Kodo, stated that there have been no reports of casualties resulting from the extreme weather. However, 7 out of 22 regencies/cities in NTT reported several impacts such as landslides, soil movement, fallen trees, and tornadoes.

Also read: NTT Worst Affected by El Nino

In Manggarai Regency, landslides and ground movement occurred in Cibal District. Fourteen families were affected. In Rahong Utara District, landslides threatened three houses. The occupants of the houses have been evacuated.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

A meatball stall in Fahiluka Village, Malaka Tengah Subdistrict, Malaka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has yet to operate after being hit by floods caused by tropical cyclone Seroja on Wednesday (21/4/2021).

In Kupang Regency, one house was hit by a landslide. In Rote Ndao Regency, landslides struck three houses, a whirlwind damaged one house, floods engulfed one house, a fallen tree hit one house, floods damaged one dam, and landslides closed two roads.

In South Central Timor Regency, Noemuke River in Kualin Sub-District has overflowed, inundating residents' settlements. The local government, along with the military, has taken action by distributing basic necessities to affected citizens.

In East Flores Regency, a fallen tree covered the road leading to several villages in Adonara Tengah District. In Southwest Suma Regency, floods submerged National Road Kilometer 12 in Wewewa Timur District as well as 2 houses in Onggol Village, Kodi District that collapsed from strong winds.

Also read: 26 Bodies Found, SAR Team Continues Search for West Sumatra Flood Victims

Meanwhile, in the city of Kupang, the KM Cahaya Berkat carrying 34 passengers sank in Kupang Bay. All passengers were rescued. At the time, the boat was sailing towards Monkey Island.