The Indonesian government has initiated a weather modification operation (WMO) to mitigate the potential for extreme rainfall across Sumatra, a region currently grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Senyar. This crucial measure is being implemented in parallel with the accelerated distribution of humanitarian aid to affected communities.
“We are also conducting weather modification operations. Flights have commenced to reduce rainfall over land, effectively directing the precipitation towards the sea. These proactive efforts are undertaken in addition to our ongoing victim support,” stated Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Friday, November 28.
According to Pratikno, the intensity of Tropical Cyclone Senyar is fortunately beginning to wane. However, the government remains on high alert due to the formation of another significant weather system, Tropical Cyclone Koto, which has been identified in the northern region.
“We are anticipating Cyclone Koto, though its current position is in the North. We remain vigilant and earnestly hope it will not make landfall in Indonesian territory,” Pratikno emphasized, highlighting the continuous monitoring of the evolving meteorological situation.
Much like Tropical Cyclone Senyar, Cyclone Koto is projected to impact weather patterns in Aceh and North Sumatra, bringing with it the threat of renewed extreme rainfall and powerful wind gusts, underscoring the need for sustained preparedness.
Concurrently, the government is expediting the delivery of vital logistics assistance. A fleet of four aircraft has been mobilized to transport urgent supplies to three provinces hit hardest by the disaster, operating out of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base to ensure rapid response.
Pratikno affirmed that all ministries, governmental agencies, and local administrations are operating under the direct instructions of President Prabowo Subianto, ensuring a unified and cohesive national disaster response.
“Since the very first day of the disaster, His Excellency the President instructed us, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture team, to mobilize immediately, supported actively by the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Polri (Indonesian National Police), and local governments. For the emergency response phase, essential items such as shelter tents, food, and various daily necessities have already been dispatched,” Pratikno elaborated, detailing the comprehensive scope of the coordinated relief efforts.
Summary
The Indonesian government has initiated a weather modification operation (WMO) to mitigate extreme rainfall across Sumatra, directing precipitation towards the sea. This crucial measure is being implemented following Tropical Cyclone Senyar and is coupled with the accelerated distribution of humanitarian aid to affected communities. The operation aims to prevent further hydrometeorological disasters in the region.
While Tropical Cyclone Senyar’s intensity is waning, the government remains on high alert due to the formation of Tropical Cyclone Koto, which is anticipated to impact Aceh and North Sumatra with renewed extreme rainfall and strong winds. All ministries and agencies are operating under direct presidential instructions to ensure a unified national disaster response. This coordinated effort includes expediting vital logistics assistance, such as shelter tents, food, and daily necessities.
