Philippines storm may trigger drought in Indonesia

Tropical storm Kai-Tak, which hit most of the Philippines recently, is likely to cause droughts in parts of Indonesia`s mainland, including Sumatra, according to Pekanbaru's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) analyst Aristya Ardhitama. 

"Kai-Tak storm is a new name for the storm that hit the Philippines a day ago," he said here on Tuesday.

Ardhitama noted that the storm started building up on August 13 at around 7 pm (Western Indonesian Time) and soon engulfed the Philippines.

"Today, the weather condition is sultry and hot, with temperature reaching 34 degrees Celsius. This is probably due the storm, which has affected the climate here in Indonesia, particularly in Riau," he said.

"Such weather conditions are due to the high pressure and low pressure areas caused by the Kai-Tak storm, which affect wind and cloud movement," Ardhitama explained.

Therefore, he pointed out, Indonesia would receive less rainfall.

"Right now the impact of storm will not be so significant, but when the storm will pass through the Philippines mainland and approach Indonesia, the impact would be severe," Ardhitama said, adding that the storm was also likely to cause forest fires.

Besides making the temperatures soar, the storm is also likely to result in higher-than-normal sea waves in Natuna and South China Sea.

"The storm is already causing sea waves to rise higher, especially in Natuna and South China Sea waters," Ardhitama noted.

"The sea waves may reach 2-3 metres in height, while in normal conditions they are 1-2 metres," he said.

In anticipation of the undesirable events, sailors "especially fishermen" have been advised to constantly monitor the weather conditions and the changes in ocean waves before going to the sea.

"Especially when the wind blows fast, the fishermen should not go in search of fish," Ardhitama said.

Source: ANTARA