Jakarta, IO – All ferry crossings in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province are temporarily closed due to strong winds accompanied by high waves in the waters of the region.
“For the sake of safety, all ferry routes in NTT are temporarily closed, apart from the Kupang-Hansisi and Hansisi-Kupang,” said Sugeng Purwono, the general manager of Kupang office of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, per CNN Indonesia, Wed (13/3).
Sugeng revealed that the route closure has been in effect since Monday (11/3). He said this step was taken in accordance with warnings and recommendation from the Kupang Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
BMKG has issued warning that high waves of around four meters would occur in NTT waters. In addition, residents living on coastal areas are also asked to stay vigilant and keep abreast of the information update from BMKG.
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BMKG previously estimated that waves as high as 2.5 to 4 meters will likely occur in the Western Sumba Strait, Southern Savu Sea, South Indian Ocean Sumba-Sabu, Kupang-Rote Waters, and the South Indian Ocean Kupang-Rote.
Meanwhile, 1.25 to 2.5 meters waves are likely to occur in the waters north of Flores, Sape Strait, Eastern Sumba Strait, Northern Savu Sea, Flores-Lamakera Strait, Alor-Pantar Strait, Ombai Strait, and Wetar Strait. (un)