Indonesia: BMKG detects 84 hotspots in Sumatra

Antara 27 Sep 18;

Pekanbaru, Riau, (ANTARA News) - A total of 84 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, indicating the onset of land and forest fires on the island.

Pekanbaru`s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Office (BMKG) stated that the provinces of Riau and South Sumatra recorded the highest number of hotspots based on the latest data at 6 a.m. local time on Thursday, with 23 and 27 hotspots respectively, followed by 12 hotspots in Bangka Belitung, nine in Lampung, six in Jambi, five in West Sumatra, and one each in Riau Islands and Bengkulu.

Head of the BMKG Pekanbaru Station Sukisno noted that 23 hotspots in Riau were scattered across three regions, with 18 in Indragiri Hilir (Inhil) District, three in Meranti Islands, and two in Kuansing.

Of these, there are 15 hotspots, as they have a confidence level of above 70 percent.

"Some 13 hotspots are located in Inhil, and one respectively in Meranti and Kuansing," he noted.

In general, Riau`s weather conditions in the morning are cloudy. Light rain has the potential to occur in parts of the districts of Inhil and Siak.

Mild to moderate rainfall was experienced during the day in parts of Rohil, Rohul, Kampar, Dumai, and Pelalawan Regencies.

This condition is forecast to continue until night.

He added that the air temperature in Riau is forecast to reach 24 to 33 degrees Celsius, with air humidity of 45 to 97 percent.

The wind blew from the East to the South, at a speed of nine to 27 kilometers per hour.

Reporting by FB Anggoro
Editing by Andi Abdussalam, Eliswan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf