Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reported on Wednesday (18/9/2024) extreme weather in Aceh and North Sumatra over the past two days, with wind speeds reaching up to 55.56 km/h (30 knots).

"Strong local instability has created convective processes forming cumulonimbus clouds, leading to these intense winds," said Ida Pramuwardani, a BMKG forecast officer, as quoted by antaranews.com. 

The extreme weather was forecasted earlier through a warning issued for 13 to 19  September 2024.

The severe weather also stemmed from the indirect effects of tropical cyclone 98W in the South China Sea, which has a central pressure of 996 hPa and winds at 30 knots.

In Aceh, the storm has damaged homes, sports facilities, and schools. Tragically, an elementary student died when a classroom ceiling collapsed due to the high winds.

BMKG Deputy Guswanto urged residents to stay alert, as these conditions might persist, with high chances of further rain and strong winds through Saturday. 

The agency has informed the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) to adjust the ongoing National Sports Week (PON) XXI event accordingly.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)