BMKG Issues Early Warning of Forest Fires in East Nusa Tenggara

TheIndonesia.co - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, or BMKG, has issued early warning of forest and land fires in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) as dry season approaches.

El Tari Kupang Meteorology Station has announced the potential of fires in the majority of NTT as hotspots detected in the province during the dry season. Head of the station Agung Sudiono Abadi also confirmed that the warning started to take effect on Monday, May 2, as reported by Antara.

A number of regions under the “vulnerable” and “very vulnerable” statuses are Kupang, Rote Ndao, Sabu Raijua, part of East Sumba Timur, and Central Sumba – as well as part of South Timor Tengah, North Timor Tengah, Belu, Lembata, East Flores, Sikka, and Nagekeo.

Meanwhile, only a small part of South Timor Tengah and the majority of East Manggarai, Manggarai, and West Manggarai Barat are considered relatively safer.

The BMKG regional station noted that potential of forest and land fires is high because reeds and leaves that cover the forest floors are in dry condition which makes them more flammable.

Abadi added that in most cases, forest fires are caused by human activities, both intentional and unintentional, such as when opening a land in the forest for agriculture or farming purposes.

Unsafe disposal of cigarette butts or firecrackers can also create fires that will spread rapidly on dried leaves and weeds.

Lastly, Abadi reminded the public to avoid activities that can trigger fires as strong winds have started in NTT.