BNPB Boosts Weather Modification To Reduce Flood And Landslides Risks In North Sumatra

The 'weather modification effort' (OMC) is one of the government's main strategies in accelerating the handling of hydrometeorological disasters that hit a number of areas in North Sumatra. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said the operation was continuously carried out to reduce the intensity of rain in landslides and floods.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said the OMC operation had been going on since December 9 with significant progress.

"Modification of the weather is a strategic step to reduce the potential for extreme rain in affected areas. Within two days of operation, six flight sorties have been carried out," said Abdul, Wednesday, December 10.

On Wednesday morning, the PK-YNA aircraft completed three sorties with a total use of 3,200 kilograms of material Semai NaCl. Cumulatively, since starting on December 9 -10, the aircraft has deployed 4,000 kilograms of NaCl and 800 kilograms of CaO.

"All operations are running safely and according to procedures. We are targeting rain to fall in areas that are not at risk so as to reduce rainfall pressure in areas that are currently experiencing landslides and floods," he explained.

According to Abdul, the OMC team is currently preparing a follow-up sortie targeting the western waters of Central Tapanuli. On this mission, as much as 800 kilograms of NaCl will be used. The target of operation is chosen based on the dynamics of the clouds and the potential for rain growth to be monitored with the BMKG," he said.

Meanwhile, the BMKG of North Sumatra issued an early weather warning predicting moderate to heavy rain accompanied by strong winds in a number of areas, including Central Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, Lake Toba, Karo, Deli Serdang, Dairi, Mandailing Natal, Nias, Samosir, to Padangsidimpuan.

"Early warning from BMKG is an important reference for weather modification operations so that interventions can be carried out on time and on target," added Abdul.

BNPB ensures that this air operation runs parallel to land handling. Although a number of accesses were still cut off due to landslides and collapsed, Abdul emphasized that weather modification efforts were a key factor to accelerate the stabilization of field conditions.

OMC's main goal is to reduce the risk of extreme rain so that the process of restoring access and emergency handling can take place faster. BNPB is ready to add sorties and logistical support if the situation requires it," he said.