“This is our focus to reduce rainfall so that emergency handling, such as evacuation and logistics distribution, can be maximized,” said Agus Riyanto, director of emergency resource support at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
Riyanto spoke after handing over logistical aid and emergency response equipment to the Serang district government on Wednesday, as authorities stepped up efforts to limit further damage.
He said the rapid intervention followed a report from Serang officials on widespread hydrometeorological disasters triggered by extreme weather, including flooding, landslides and damaging winds.
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The weather modification operation is being conducted from Halim Perdanakusuma air base in Jakarta, chosen for its proximity to Banten and ease of deployment.
Riyanto said the operation had been running for five days and would be extended until Saturday, Jan. 24, to suppress rainfall during the peak risk period.
“The coverage area is not only Banten, but also includes West Java, Jakarta, Central Java and East Java,” he said, adding that cloud seeding was being used to disperse rain clouds.
Beyond reducing rainfall, BNPB has coordinated with Serang’s deputy regent and regional secretary on relocation plans for communities living in high-risk zones.
Riyanto said relocation would be further discussed with the Ministry of Housing and Settlements, with options including independent relocation or centralized resettlement.
“Housing will be built later. However, if the choice is for centralized relocation within a single area, the local government must prepare the land,” he said.
Authorities say the measures are intended to prevent repeat flooding as rains persist across parts of Java during the peak of the monsoon season.
Data from the Serang District Disaster Mitigation Agency show that 625 people, or 187 families, were still sheltering in evacuation centers as of Wednesday evening.
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Translator: Desi Purnama Sari, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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