Lyna Mohamad
The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) yesterday addressed social media rumours regarding Typhoon ‘Mangkut’ to hit the region.
“No such typhoon was identified across our region, and the one which went viral on social media had actually occurred in September 2018,” said Acting Director of BDMD Rokiah binti Haji Angas, during a press conference at the department’s office in Kampong Anggrek Desa.
“However, there is a tropical storm named Noul, currently located at 13.0°N 118.5°E, as of 2am local time yesterday, which is approximately 933km from Brunei Darussalam and expected to move to the northern part of South China Sea, away from Brunei Darussalam.”
She added that Tropical Storm Noul is expected to have an indirect influence on Brunei’s weather. Occasional gusty and heavy showers are expected, especially over coastal areas, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 km/h and a rough sea state of up to 2.5m during or near
gusty showers.
“Members of the public, particularly motorists and mariners, are advised to take precautions for their safety, especially during the expected unsettled weather conditions,” said the acting director. “Our department will continuously monitor the development of the Tropical Storm, and issue weather advisories or warnings when necessary.”
The public was also warned to be wary of unverified news, and to refrain from spreading misinformation which could cause unnecessary panic among the local community.
Also present at the press conference was Acting Deputy Director of Meteorological Marzeti binti Haji Mahadi, who briefed media personnel on the country’s weather forecast.
For the latest weather updates, contact the Duty Meteorological Forecaster at the BDMD Forecast Centre through the Weather Line at 114 or visit the BDMD website at www.met.gov.bn or follow BDMD on Facebook, Instagram and the Brunei WX mobile application.
