"The Jabodetabek weather modification task force reported a significant decline of 30–60 percent in rainfall across Jakarta, West Java, and Banten after four days of operation," Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari stated in Jakarta on Friday.
He noted that Jakarta had not experienced rain for the past two days owing to weather modification measures. During this period, authorities dispersed 12.4 tons of sodium chloride and 3.6 tons of calcium chloride across the Greater Jakarta area in 18 sorties as of Thursday (July 10).
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According to Muhari, the BNPB planned to conduct the operation on July 7–11 in collaboration with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) to help suppress rainfall following reports of flooding in several regions.
He emphasized that the operation should be complemented by additional measures to further reduce flood risks, especially in downstream areas. These include draining standing water with pumps and reinforcing embankments in flood-affected zones.
The official remarked that the weather forecast indicates a decline in rainfall potential in West Java. However, the BMKG projects that rainfall may increase again in several regions across the country on July 12.
He also noted that some areas in eastern Indonesia are at risk of extreme weather due to rising atmospheric waves.
"The BNPB and BMKG will conduct an evaluation to decide whether to extend the weather modification operation," Muhari added.
Related news: Jakarta floods: Weather modification planned to reduce rainfall
Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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