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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

BMKG Warns of High Waves in North Sumatra Waters Until April 22

From Tempo · (1d ago) Indonesian

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • BMKG forecasts high waves of 1.25 to 2.5 meters in the waters west of Nias and Batu Islands, and the Indian Ocean west of Nias, North Sumatra, from April 19-22, 2026.
  • These conditions pose a risk to navigation, particularly for small boats, with specific wind speed and wave height advisories issued for different vessel types.
  • The BMKG also predicts cloudy skies with potential for light to heavy rain across North Sumatra throughout the day and night, with warnings of potential flooding and landslides.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a crucial warning for the waters off North Sumatra, highlighting the potential for high waves reaching up to 2.5 meters. This advisory, effective from April 19 to 22, 2026, specifically targets the waters west of the Nias and Batu Islands, as well as the Indian Ocean in the same region.

The BMKG, through its Belawan Maritime Meteorology Station, emphasizes that these wave conditions could significantly disrupt maritime navigation, especially for smaller vessels. Forecaster Rizky Ramadhan detailed the expected wave heights and provided specific guidance based on wind speeds, urging fishermen and operators of barges to exercise increased vigilance.

High waves could reach 1.25 to 2.5 meters. These conditions must be monitored as they could disrupt navigation, especially for small boats

— Rizky RamadhanA forecaster at the BMKG Belawan Maritime Meteorology Station in Medan, explaining the potential impact of high waves.

Beyond the maritime forecast, the BMKG also provided a detailed weather outlook for North Sumatra. Residents can expect cloudy conditions with a high likelihood of rain, ranging from light to heavy, throughout Saturday and into the night. The agency has cautioned about the potential for hydrometeorological disasters such as flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas like Pakpak Bharat. This comprehensive forecast underscores the dynamic weather patterns affecting Indonesia, a nation heavily reliant on its maritime routes and susceptible to weather-related hazards.

Be aware of the potential for moderate to heavy rain on the west coast, eastern slopes, the east coast, and the mountains of North Sumatra, which could cause flooding, landslides, and other hydrometeorological disasters

— Rizky RamadhanWarning about the broader weather conditions and associated risks in North Sumatra.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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