PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continues to carry out mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of disasters due to high rainfall that can trigger floods and landslides in various regions.

One of the efforts implemented is the Weather Modification Operation (OMC), which aims to control rainfall to minimize the impact of disasters. By spreading certain materials, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium oxide (CaO), using special aircraft.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said, to implement this step, BNPB in collaboration with the Indonesian Air Force and BMKG has implemented OMC from March 4 to 8, 2025 in several strategic areas.

"This operation aims to reduce the intensity of rain, especially in areas at high risk of flooding and landslides," said Abdul, Friday (7/3/2025)

On Friday, the operation was carried out with five flight sorties targeting the waters of South Sukabumi with two sorties each distributing 1,000 kg of NaCl, the Citarum and Sumedang watershed areas with 1,000 kg of CaO, the Saguling Reservoir with 1,000 kg of NaCl, and the waters of North Karawang with an additional 1,000 kg of NaCl.

"A total of 4 tons of NaCl and 1 ton of CaO were distributed in the operation. Based on the monitoring results, the Jabodetabek area did not experience rain after the operation was carried out, showing the effectiveness of this weather intervention in suppressing rainfall intensity," explained Abdul.

According to him, for Saturday (8/3/2025), BNPB again conducted OMC operations to support emergency disaster management in West Java Province. With eight flight sorties, this operation targeted the western part of Java with operational altitudes between 8,000 and 11,000 feet.

"The first flight started at 03.00 WIB and the last sortie is scheduled to end at 22.30 WIB, adjusting to atmospheric conditions and the appearance of clouds that allow intervention," he said.

Abdul emphasized that the results of this operation further emphasize the effectiveness of weather modification technology in supporting disaster risk reduction efforts and maintaining environmental balance.

"BNPB will continue to be committed to implementing various mitigation strategies to protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather and the potential disasters that accompany it," he concluded. (no)