Aceh – Indonesia, The Bener Meriah Regency Government has declared an Emergency Alert Status for Hydrometeorological Disasters, effective from October 5 to December 31, 2026.
The declaration is stipulated in the Bener Meriah Regent Decree Number 360/520/SK/2026 concerning the Declaration of Emergency Alert Status for Hydrometeorological Disasters in Bener Meriah Regency for the Year 2026.
This decision was taken as a precautionary measure by the local government following predictions of increased rainfall in several areas of Aceh, particularly Bener Meriah, from October through December 2026.
Acting Head of the Bener Meriah Communication and Information Office, who also serves as the Chief Executive of BPBD Bener Meriah, Ilham Abdi, S.STP., MAP, stated that the status declaration aims to ensure all disaster management elements are fully prepared to face any possibilities.
“This Emergency Alert Status is a proactive measure for preparedness. We do not wait for a disaster to occur before taking action. All elements must enhance their vigilance and readiness regarding personnel, equipment, and logistics,” Ilham said on Monday (10/5/2026).
High Rainfall Forecasted
Ilham explained that the Aceh Provincial Government had previously issued Aceh Regional Secretariat Letter Number 300.2/11114 dated September 14, 2026, regarding public preparedness for increased rainfall during the October to December period.
Based on forecasts from the BMKG Climatology Station Class II Aceh, in October 2026, Syiah Utama and Timang Gajah Districts are expected to experience high-category rainfall, reaching 300 to 500 millimeters per month.
These conditions are expected to expand in November, with all districts in Bener Meriah predicted to experience high-category rainfall ranging from 300 to 500 millimeters per month.
Meanwhile, in December, the entire Bener Meriah area is projected to experience medium-category rainfall, ranging from 150 to 300 millimeters per month.
“The surge in rainfall naturally requires a response in the form of heightened preparedness, as it increases the potential for hydrometeorological disasters to occur,” he said.
Floods to Landslides on High Alert
A number of threats to anticipate include floods, flash floods, landslides or land movement, strong winds, fallen trees, and disruptions to road access and infrastructure.
Ilham urged residents living near rivers, flood-prone areas, slopes, and areas with a history of landslides to remain increasingly vigilant.
“We advise the public to continuously monitor official information from BMKG and BPBD, and to follow officers’ instructions if evacuation is required at any time,” he said.
With the declaration of the emergency alert status, BPBD Bener Meriah will boost the readiness of its Rapid Response Team (TRC), regional monitoring, posts, personnel, equipment, and logistics.
Coordination is also being strengthened with regional agencies, district authorities, village governments, the military/police (TNI/Polri), and other relevant stakeholders.
Ilham emphasized that the emergency alert status does not mean the public should panic. On the contrary, the decision is a reflection of the government’s readiness in anticipating potential disasters.
“The public does not need to panic. This status is actually a form of government preparedness to ensure all resources are better prepared, coordination is faster, and should a disaster occur, the response can be carried out immediately and in a coordinated manner,” he explained.
Residents Urged to Increase Vigilance
The Bener Meriah Regency Government also reminded the public to take simple steps to mitigate disaster risks, including clearing drainage systems and waterways, avoiding activities in vulnerable areas during extreme weather, refraining from seeking shelter under trees during strong winds, and securing important documents and valuables.
Residents were also requested to leave the area immediately if instructed to evacuate by authorities.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility. The government prepares the system, but the public must also understand the risks and know what to do when a disaster strikes,” Ilham concluded.
The declaration of this status is guided by statutory provisions regarding disaster management, emergency response command systems, as well as rainfall forecast information and warnings from BMKG and the Aceh Provincial Government. (Gona)