The Head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said here on Wednesday that the operation focused on areas with high rainfall, including Sukabumi District, which had previously experienced floods and landslides.
“According to rainfall data, the weather modification operation conducted on Monday (October 27) showed a 75 percent reduction in precipitation in the targeted areas,” he stated.
The operation involved redistributing rain clouds to prevent rainfall from concentrating overland, reducing flood risks in vulnerable areas. The team deployed aircraft to seed potential rain clouds with sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium oxide (CaO).
BNPB, in collaboration with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and other agencies, continues to monitor weather conditions and mitigation measures, including extending weather modification operations if extreme rainfall risks remain high in late October.
Muhari noted that the operation proved effective in lowering flood risks in affected areas, including Sukabumi, where floodwaters have now receded.
According to reports from the Sukabumi Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), emergency shelters have been established at the ex-Sinar Ciomas field and elementary school SDN 1 Cisolok, along with a public kitchen in the Cisolok Sub-district office.
Several landslide sites in Wangunsari, Sukarame, Gunung Keramat, and Karangpapak were still being handled, with some roads partially blocked.
“Field teams are now focusing on clearing mud and restoring road access in several villages,” Muhari said.
BNPB urged residents in West Java to remain vigilant for extreme weather, prepare emergency kits, and monitor official updates from BNPB, BPBD, and BMKG.
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Translator: Prasetyo, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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