JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) carried out weather modification operations (OMC) to handle widespread flooding and landslides in the Muria Raya area, Central Java. This step was taken following the high rainfall that triggered flooding and landslides in Kudus, Jepara, and Pati Regencies.
Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that one unit of a Caravan aircraft with registration PK-SNP had started cloud seeding since morning. The seeding was carried out to reduce the intensity of rain in the disaster-affected area.
"The operation started today, Thursday, and was centered on Ahmad Yani Airport, Semarang City. One unit of a carravan aircraft with registration PK-SNP has started the first sowing at 06.00 WIB this morning," said Abdul Muhari in his statement, Thursday, January 15.
According to Abdul Muhari, the target for cloud seeding is in the waters north of Semarang. This area was chosen because it has the potential to become a path for the formation of rain clouds that have a direct impact on the Muria Raya area.
"In addition to the support of the OMC, BNPB has sent a rapid reaction team (TRC) to the three districts affected by floods and landslides in the Muria Raya area," said Abdul Muhari.
Floods are known to have hit the coastal areas of north Central Java since Friday, January 9 due to heavy rainfall that lasted throughout the day. This condition caused the river discharge to increase rapidly and trigger the collapse of a number of village embankments.
Kudus Regency is the region with the most complex disaster impact because it experiences floods, landslides, and extreme weather simultaneously. Nine sub-districts were recorded as affected with 127 landslide points in 14 villages in Bae, Dawe, and Gebog Districts.
"The people affected by the landslide reached 1,115 people, one person was reported dead. A total of 164 residents were evacuated to safer locations," said Abdul Muhari.
Material losses in Kudus include 32 houses damaged, one building severely damaged, and one public facility slightly damaged. The landslide material cleaning was carried out by a joint team of BPBD, TNI, Polri, and residents.
The flood also submerged six other sub-districts in Kudus with water levels of 30 to 100 centimeters. As a result, 15,284 families or 48,190 people were affected and two residents died.
Jepara Regency was also hit by floods and landslides. The flood inundated a number of villages in Mayong District with an average height of 50-60 centimeters. The local BPBD is still assessing the impact and losses.
Meanwhile, landslides occurred in Pakisaji, Keling, and Nalumsari Districts, which affected 3,642 people. The landslide material closed the road access and forced the distribution of logistics to be carried out in relays using two-wheeled vehicles.
In Pati Regency, floods and landslides hit 84 villages in 17 sub-districts. The rapid assessment team recorded that around 3,000 families were affected and 380 residents were displaced.
"The material losses of the houses of residents affected by the Pati Regency flood, which were recorded by the rapid survey team, were four houses were severely damaged, one house was moderately damaged, and two houses were slightly damaged," said Abdul Muhari.
The Kudus Regency Government has declared a state of emergency for seven days from January 12 to 19, 2026. Meanwhile, Jepara and Pati are still in a state of emergency for disaster preparedness.
BNPB ensures that the fulfillment of the basic needs of affected residents is the top priority. In the initial phase, logistical and equipment assistance has been distributed to each region.
"BNPB ensures that meeting the basic needs of affected residents is the top priority, both for residents who are centrally and independently displaced," he added.
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