JAKARTA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) urged the public to remain vigilant about the potential impacts of the La Nina phenomenon on Monday.
La Nina is a global climate pattern characterized by the upwelling of cool waters from deep in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in a pool of cooler-than-average water along the eastern and central equatorial Pacific.
BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati warned on Monday that La Nina could increase rainfall intensity by 20 percent to 40 percent and trigger extreme weather, increasing the likelihood of hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, landslides, strong winds, and tornadoes.
"We are closely monitoring weather developments and issuing early warnings to mitigate the risks of disasters during this period. However, we also urge the public to prepare themselves, especially those residing in hilly areas, mountain slopes, highlands, and along riverbanks, as this phenomenon can significantly affect weather conditions," Karnawati stated in an official release.
She added that the La Nina phenomenon is expected to persist until April 2025. ■
