“We are conducting weather modification operations. We will start deploying aircraft to reduce rainfall on land, allowing it to flow to the ocean,” Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base on Friday.
He explained that the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) had earlier predicted Tropical Cyclone Senyar in Sumatra, which brought heavy rain and strong winds.
With the cyclone now subsided, Pratikno said the government can begin operations to divert rainwater into the ocean.
“We are also anticipating Cyclone Koto in northern Sumatra. We are still on alert and hope it will not reach the mainland,” he added.
At the same time, the government is delivering aid to North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.
On Friday, four Indonesian Air Force aircraft — three Hercules C-130 transport planes and one A400M — were deployed from Halim Perdanakusuma to carry supplies.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the shipments include refugee tents, rubber boats, generators, and communication equipment.
“There are around 150 tents and 64 rubber boats, which are crucial for evacuations. Then generators for electrical equipment. Around 100 communication devices have been dispatched to restore communication signals as well,” Teddy said.
He added that ready-to-eat food, medical personnel, and medicines are also being sent.
Supplies will be unloaded at airports closest to the disaster zones before being distributed by land or helicopter.
“The aid will be distributed to Padang, West Sumatra; then to Silangit Airport in North Sumatra; and to Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe in North Aceh because they are the closest airports to the affected areas,” Teddy explained.
He assured that deliveries to all three provinces would continue simultaneously until conditions stabilize.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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