Recognizing Extreme Weather in Indonesia and Its Early Warning System

Indonesia is located on the equator and flanked by two oceans, the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This location is the reason why extreme weather in Indonesia frequently occurs. Global climate phenomena such as El Niño and El Niña are highly affected. Given this vulnerability, an early warning system is necessary for any indication of extreme weather.

The Characteristics of Extreme Weather in Indonesia

Extreme weather is certainly unfavorable because the natural phenomena frequently change with sharply contrasting intensities. Weather changes are also unpredictable. These various unpredictable weather conditions can be identified by the following natural phenomena.

1. Extreme Temperature and Drastic Temperature Change

The most obvious sign of extreme weather is extreme temperature. The temperature rises sharply and drops sharply. It causes the scorching heat or piercing cold, alternating between these two conditions erratically. This demonstrates drastic temperature changes. The weather can change at any time and be extreme.

2. Heavy and Short Rain

Another indicator of extreme weather is heavy, short-term rain. Heavy rain occurs due to an extreme drop in temperature. It potentially caused flooding and landslides. Why is this heavy rain so short or temporary? This is because the temperature has drastically increased. This is evidence that extreme weather is occurring.

3. Strong Wind

Strong winds that are sometimes followed by tornadoes indicate extreme weather. These strong winds also damage certain areas. Moreover, health problems occur, especially respiratory and vision problems, because of the dust and debris carried by the strong winds.

4. High Waves

Extreme weather can be identified by wave heights. When the temperatures fluctuate drastically, wave heights also increase. Therefore, coastal areas are more dangerous and vulnerable for all activities.

The Impacts of Extreme Weather

Extreme weather is, of course, an abnormal and severe weather condition. This condition varies, which can last for a short or a long time. The impacts are more complex when the extreme weather persists longer. Here are the various impacts of extreme weather.

1. Health Problem

The primary impact is undoubtedly on health. The immune system is not always able to protect against various pathogens during extreme weather.

Extreme weather is identic with heavy rain that causes flooding. There are risks of skin diseases during flooding, such as allergic reactions, cholera, and leptospirosis. Cold conditions also trigger flu, coughs, and fevers. Moreover, the dengue fever is potentially higher. During heat waves, the hot temperature can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Safety risks also threatened, ranging from minor to serious injuries and even death, due to any risks (floods, storms, landslides, or drought). The vulnerable group has the worst impact.

Not only physical health but also mental health are threatened during extreme weather. Anxiety, stress, and depression can be experienced due to dealing with extreme weather phenomena and their various impacts.

2. Environmental Problem

Extreme weather in Indonesia frequently occurs. Based on facts, there is potential for natural disasters that affect the environment. Environmental damage and natural habitats for flora and fauna occur due to the impact of extreme weather.

3. Economic Impact

The economic impact of extreme weather is complex. The natural disasters, such as heavy rain and drought from the extreme weather, cause financial losses. Financial losses come from the damage to public facilities and personal assets.

A decrease in income also occurs due to a decrease or failure of agricultural production due to flooding or drought, threatening food security. High waves and bad weather prevent fishermen from going out to sea. Business activities are also hampered by limited mobility.

4. Social Impact

Finally, there are social impacts to be aware of during extreme weather. The extreme weather or natural disasters as its impact can damage the infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, homes, public facilities, etc. During extreme weather, people’s lives change due to limited mobility and may even be forced to evacuate when a natural disaster occurs.

Early Warning System

Recognizing the massive impacts of extreme weather, effective and targeted risk mitigation is necessary. Early warning is the solution. The availability of an early warning system facilitates the dissemination of information regarding extreme weather and its developments. The public can be urged to immediately avoid areas affected by extreme weather.

Early warnings also apply when extreme weather is indicated to cause a natural disaster. These early warnings are connected to various weather monitoring sensors managed by agencies in the fields of meteorology, climatology, air quality, and geophysics.

Responding to various natural changes requires appropriate and swift action. In light of extreme weather in Indonesia, an early warning system is essential. This system greatly facilitates the dissemination of emergency information to affected communities.

Emergency information about extreme weather will be better understood if accompanied by emergency messages. In addition to emergency signals from sirens or alarms, the public can also read and understand information through emergency messages.

The government can provide an emergency message-sending machine with SMS (Short Message Service) in its mechanism. This machine is available at smsbroadcaster.com.