BMKG Prepares 15 Tons Of Salt For Weather Modification In West Sumatra

Flood disaster locations in West Sumatra (doc BNPB)

BUKITTINGGI - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has prepared 15 tons of salt to be sprinkled into the skies of the West Sumatra region (West Sumatra) in weather modification technology activities to control the impact of disasters, Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati said that at the first opportunity, there were three plane flights to sprinkle salt or NaCl with the help of TNI personnel and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

"Soonwards, at least it will last for the next 5 days, after that we will evaluate it," he said when met in Bukittinggi, Wednesday, quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that the modification of the weather by sowing NaCl into the sky uses an effective way to control the potential of the rainy cloud. These efforts need to be implemented in West Sumatra based on the results of weather analysis forecast until May 22, 2024, the potential for moderate to very heavy rain.

The weather conditions have previously been detected by BMKG since May 6, 2024. Even the peak triggered the cold lava flood of Mount Marapi and flash floods accompanied by landslides in Agam Regency, Tanah Datar, Padang Panjang City, on Saturday night.

BNPB reported a number of sub-districts in Agam, Tanah Datar, and Padang Panjang Regencies were hit by floods mixed with lava material on Saturday night. Then on Monday, May 13, the disaster hit Padang Pariaman and Padang.

The number of victims who died was recorded from Agam Regency, Tanah Datar, Padang Panjang City and Padang Pariaman, Padang a total of 52 people or an increase of eight people from the previous number.