Prepare for tidal floods as ‘Dead Moon’ is coming, agency warns
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 01/18/2012 1:37 PM
Jakartans living in coastal areas should be prepared for tidal floods as the sea level is higher during the cycle of the dark moon, also known as the dead moon, between Tuesday and Thursday.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said high tides usually occur during the dark moon and the full moon.
“We’re warning everyone of a possibility of tidal floods between Jan. 17 and 19 because of high tides as a result of the dead moon cycle,” the agency’s Kukuh Ribudiyanto said on Wednesday as quoted by detik.com.
“The sea level is estimated to reach 1.1 meters based on astronomical [calculations],” he added.
He said high tides, coupled with heavy rain in upstream areas south of Jakarta, like in Bogor and Depok, could cause flash floods in Jakarta’s coastal areas.
“Therefore, areas that are prone to floods should remain alert,” said Kukuh.
Tidal floods have already hit areas around Jl. Kamal Benda in West Jakarta, forcing traffic to be diverted to Jl. Prancis-Dadap. Tidal floods also hit the Jelambar area, West Jakarta. (mtq)
