Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang
The West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Coordination Unit has issued a warning to fishermen and ship operators about the possibility of strong waves in the Indian Ocean, including waters around the Mentawai Islands regency.
Unit head Ade Edward said Wednesday the Meteorological and Geophysics Agency (BMG) predicted three- to five-meter swells could hit the region between Sept. 24 and Sept. 27, while three-to four-meter waves may be present between Sept. 28 to Sept. 30.
""Such high waves could pose a risk to all kinds of vessels sailing in the Indian Ocean, including waters around the Mentawai Islands and coastal areas of West Sumatra,"" said Ade.
He said the high tides could trigger natural disasters along the coast of West Sumatra.
""Those living in areas prone to abrasion should heighten their awareness,"" he said.
The head of the BMG in Padang, Emrizal, said it was not possible to record or predict the arrival of high tides accurately.
""However, high tides will probably take place around the Mentawai Islands next week,"" he said.
Passenger ferries plying the Padang-Mentawai Islands route continue to operate on an irregular schedule despite the warnings.
A Sumber Rezeki Baru vessel, which should have departed for Padang on Tuesday at 6 p.m. from the Maileppet dock in South Siberut, Siberut Island, was forced to leave Wednesday at 7 p.m. for the 10-hour journey.
""Ships were unable to leave last night due to high tides,"" a passenger, Gerson, 25, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
In Sikakap on Pagai Island, fishermen have been reluctant to go out to sea since an earthquake struck Bengkulu on Sept. 12.
""Most of the residents in Sikakap are still taking refuge on the hills, including fishermen. They are especially reluctant to go fishing now the tides are high,"" Supri, a Sikakap resident, said.
In Parupuk Tabing, Padang city, at least five houses located near the beach were severely damaged by three-meter waves on Sept. 25. A week earlier, 11 houses in the same area were damaged by high tides. However, in general residents living in erosion-prone areas were yet to move to safer locations.
Parupuk Tabing village administrative chief Usman Syamra said many houses had been cracked by the earthquake.
""The houses are no longer inhabitable. Their wells have been submerged by sea water and can no longer be used. Residents have to buy clean water,"" he said.
