Cloud-Seeding Operations Launched in Indonesia to Mitigate Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Indonesia has initiated cloud-seeding operations to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall and mitigate the risk of flooding in Sukabumi and Cianjur, West Java. The emergency response to rain-related disasters involves dispersing salt powder over designated areas in the province’s skies to target rain-potential clouds and redistribute rainfall to less critical zones.
Operations and Coordination
According to National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) spokesperson Abdul Muhari, three cloud-seeding operations were carried out on Wednesday, dispersing a total of three tonnes of salt powder over designated areas in the province’s skies. Each mission targets rain-potential clouds in the southwest to northwest regions, at altitudes of 10,000 to 11,000 feet, using 1,000 kilogrammes of NaCl powder.
The operations are coordinated from a command post at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta and will run 24/7 with both day and night flights, using a total of 50 tonnes of salt powder. The BNPB is collaborating with the country’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, the Indonesian Air Force, and the West Java provincial government, with missions carried out using a Cessna Caravan aircraft.
Impact of Floods and Landslides
Meanwhile, the floods and landslides that struck Sukabumi on December 3 have claimed 10 lives, with two people still missing, according to the agency. The disaster has affected over 20,600 people, with 3,464 displaced across 184 villages in 39 sub-districts. It has also caused severe damage to local infrastructure, including 1,605 homes with light damage, 1,829 with moderate damage, and 2,058 with severe damage.
Conclusion
The cloud-seeding operations are an important step in mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding in Sukabumi and Cianjur, West Java. The collaboration between government agencies and the BNPB is crucial in responding to rain-related disasters and protecting the lives and property of affected communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the objectives of the cloud-seeding operations?
A: The objectives are to target rain-potential clouds moving towards high-risk areas, aiming to redistribute rainfall to less critical zones and reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
Q: How many tonnes of salt powder will be used for the cloud-seeding operations?
A: A total of 50 tonnes of salt powder will be used for the operations.
Q: What is the scope of the floods and landslides in Sukabumi?
A: The disaster has affected over 20,600 people, with 3,464 displaced across 184 villages in 39 sub-districts. It has also caused severe damage to local infrastructure, including 1,605 homes with light damage, 1,829 with moderate damage, and 2,058 with severe damage.
Q: What is the current situation of the missing persons?
A: Two people are still missing following the floods and landslides.