“We implemented a layered prediction system six months before the emergence of the dry season to anticipate the potential for forest and land fires in vulnerable areas,” BMKG head Dwikorita Karnawati said on Saturday.
She informed that the layered predictions began six months in advance, then were updated monthly, and later brought down to seven-day and ten-day forecasts.
“This way, we can accurately determine which areas are prone to fire,” she explained.
She added that based on the latest predictions, West Kalimantan is currently at its peak fire potential.
“Today, almost the entire region is on red alert. Therefore, we are establishing early coordination with BNPB and the Environment Ministry to prepare a weather modification strategy,” she said
According to Karnawati, weather modification can only be carried out with sufficient rain clouds in the sky.
Therefore, her agency is continuing to monitor rain cloud growth.
“We cannot run weather modification without the growth of rain clouds. In such conditions, the BNPB and the Environment Ministry may take a different approach to combat forest and land fires,” she said.
In the past few days, her team has successfully carried out intensive weather modification operations due to favorable rain cloud conditions.
“It has rained and helped suppress hotspots. However, the potential for forest and land fires will peak again on August 7–8. Therefore, we are currently making all necessary preparations,” she informed.
The coordination between the three parties is considered key to increase the effectiveness of efforts to mitigate forest and land fires, which, in recent weeks, have affected several districts in West Kalimantan, including Ketapang, Sanggau, and Kubu Raya.
“Local governments and the public are also urged to remain vigilant, refrain from open burning on agricultural land, and actively report potential fires to the authorities,” Karnawati added.
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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