Reduce Rain Intensity In Natuna Disaster Locations, Government Modifies Weather

Illustration of weather modifications (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The government has decided to take the option of conducting Weather Modification Technology (TMC) in handling the landslide emergency that occurred on Serasan Island, Natuna Regency, Riau Islands.

Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lt. Gen. Suharyanto in a written statement received in Jakarta, Saturday, March 10, said that this was done with the hope that the intensity of rainfall could decrease and all emergency handling operations could run according to the target.

TMC can only be carried out today, because the special aircraft position for the operation was flown from Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Suharyanto said that on the fourth day after the landslide disaster, all efforts made in the emergency operation had paid off. Although the road covered by landslides is not yet fully open due to weather factors.

"The fourth day after the landslide disaster, there was progress, it had paid off even though the landslide road was still not open due to weather factors," said Suharyanto.

The Head of BNPB also ensured that the support that had entered Serasan Island had been more than 20 tons and had begun to be given to those who were entitled.

The basic logistics for the needs of the refugees are all supported from outside the island. So it is supported by Batam from Natuna and while it is enough in the warehouse and has spread over 20 tons at some point," said Suharyanto.

He hopes that in the next one to two weeks it will be enough to meet the basic needs of refugees.

Based on search and rescue data as of last Friday, 36 people have died from landslides. Meanwhile, there are still 18 people who are still being searched. Meanwhile, 1,216 residents are still displaced at four points.