TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - West Sumatra government asked Riau provincial government to create artificial rain to put out the forest fires and eliminate smog in the region. "Riau has to quell this problem immediately," West Sumatra governor Irwan Prayitno told Tempo yesterday.
The smog currently covers several regions in West Sumatra. "I will coordinate this with the Riau government to take quick measures," he said. Riau has also punish those who started the fire.
Irwan stated that West Sumatera citizens have been affected by smog since last week. "Health and flight can be affected by this. There have been flights canceled due to the smog," Irwan said. However, this smog can still be anticipated and overcome so there is still no need to declare state of emergency.
West Sumatra Health Agency chief Rosnini said there have growing number of people suffering from acute respiratory infection disease (ISPA) is several regions. "Increased about 1.5 cases in each regency, but we're still collecting data," he said yesterday. People are told to wear safety mask. "The air quality has dwindled over the last four days."
A number of people suffering from ISPA are also growing in Padang and Bukittinggi. "It increases 10 to 20 percent," said Syofia Dasmauli, chief of Bukittingi Health Agency. The numbers are based on reports from community health centers.
Riau Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said creating artificial rain could not be done yet as smog is still too thick. "It reduces visibility for airplanes," Agus told reporters yesterday.
It was previously scheduled that two helicopters would be used to water-bomb fires, but it was canceled as smog interferes with visibility. It can only be done if visibility is at least 1,000 meters.
The fire-extinguishing measures are focused on Giam Siak Kecil Biosphere Forest in Bengkalis. It is said as the main cause of smog in Riau.
ANDRI EL FARUQI | RIYAN NOFITRA
