BNPB Mulls Performing Weather Modification to Handle Flood in South Sulawesi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) considered performing weather modification to handle the impact of flooding and landslides in South Sulawesi.

Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated on Tuesday that moderate- to heavy-intensity rains were forecast in Luwu, Soppeng, Enrekang, and other districts in the province.

He said these regions were currently affected by the flood and landslides.

Muhari elaborated that regions in South Sulawesi had the potential to be hit by moderate- to heavy-intensity rains, or more than 150-200 mm of rainfall, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) study.

The BMKG also reported the formation of tropical cyclone seeds in the southern part of Banda Sea.

Hence, the BNPB stated that such weather conditions would complicate efforts to deal with the disasters in South Sulawesi.

Muhari remarked that so far, the distribution of logistical assistance to the evacuees relied on helicopters, as land access, especially to Luwu District, South Sulawesi, had been blocked.

Hence, he remarked that weather modification technology operations that serve to reduce or divert rain clouds away from South Sulawesi to other regions can be carried out.

"We have coordinated with BMKG, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Indonesian Military (TNI), and other parties. If the TMC is needed, the local government will propose for it," Muhari stated.

The BNPB considered weather modification operations to be effective enough to reduce rain potential in an area. Muhari remarked that this is proven while handling floods in Demak and Kudus in Central Java some time ago.

It was reported that Luwu District was the most impacted area by the flooding and landslide as compared to other regions.

The BNPB reported that as of Sunday (May 5), as many as 3,479 households were in dire need of logistical assistance.

ANTARA

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