Aceh’s Forests Are Shrinking, Rare Disaster Could Recur

Cyclone Senyar, which struck Aceh some time ago, felt like an event from another world. Aceh is not typically hit by tropical cyclones. Its location near the equator has traditionally been considered relatively safe from such extreme weather phenomena. However, when Senyar emerged in the Strait of Malacca and triggered prolonged heavy rains, flooding and landslides were inevitable.

In some areas, the floods came like massive waves, carrying wood, mud, and rocks from upstream. Many have since described this event as one of the most serious hydrometeorological disasters Aceh has experienced in recent years. Some have even described it as a “second tsunami,” due to the scale of the damage and trauma it left behind.

This article has been published on Katadata.co.id with the title “Agung Dwinurcahya: Aceh’s Forests Are Reducing, Rare Disasters Could Recur”, read the full article at https://katadata.co.id/indepth/opini/69b8ceb9cfc5a/hutan-aceh-berkurang-bencana-langka-bisa-berulang Author: Agung Dwinurcahya, Editor: Aria W. Yudhistira