The proposal follows continued high rainfall during the post-flood recovery process.
"We have submitted the request for weather-modification operations. I think this is important," Prasta said on Tuesday.
According to him, several areas—especially in Denpasar—have experienced light to moderate rainfall since Monday, while waste management after the September 10 flood remains unfinished. He believes precautionary measures are therefore necessary.
Prasta added that weather forecasts can be unreliable during this transitional season, so anticipatory steps, including weather modification, are needed.
"We must coordinate with BMKG and the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and always take early precautions against potential problems," he emphasized.
However, he cautioned that such short-term measures must be applied carefully, noting that holding back rainfall could later trigger intense downpours. Farmers, he said, still need rainwater during the dry season, so any operation must maintain environmental balance.
For the long term, Prasta said the regional government will prohibit the conversion of productive land to commercial use. His office will also push to restore forest cover in river basins and improve river management to prevent blockages or narrowing of waterways.
"Regarding the current flooding, several puddles form after only a few hours of rain. We have coordinated with district and city governments to take swift action. With water pumps, we can speed the receding of floodwaters," he noted.
The recent disaster followed more than 24 hours of heavy rain beginning Tuesday, September 9.
On September 10, BPBD recorded flooding and landslides at 123 locations across seven districts and cities: Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Tabanan, Klungkung, Karangasem, and Jembrana.
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Translator: Ni Putu Putri Muliantari, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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