"As of Friday morning (July 25), all medium- to high-confidence hotspots have been put out," BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati stated in Jakarta on Saturday.
The weather modification effort was carried out intensively by seeding potential rain clouds in priority areas affected by forest and land fires, including Rokan Hulu and Rokan Hilir regencies, starting July 21.
Over four days of operations, the BMKG recorded 23 sorties, deploying 20.8 tons of sodium chloride (NaCl) into the skies above Riau.
Karnawati explained that this method proved effective in reducing hotspots and accelerating fire suppression in areas that are difficult to reach through ground operations.
The positive effect of artificial rain was also observed outside the main target zones. In Guguak District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, moderate rainfall was recorded as a result of the artificial rain produced by the weather modification operation.
BMKG confirmed that these operations will continue in other high-risk areas to maintain control during the ongoing dry season.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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