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Officials seek to modify weather to limit rainfall for year-end holidays
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Thick, black clouds hang over high-rise buildings in Jakarta on Dec. 5, 2024. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned of extreme weather during the Christmas and New Year holidays resulting from the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to cause a 20 percent increase in rainfall. (Antara/Asprilla Dwi Adha)
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uthorities have been attempting to modify the weather throughout Java to reduce rainfall and mitigate flooding in preparation for an expected Christmas and New Year travel surge.
Late last week, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) extended its cloud seeding operation to East Java, hoping to induce rain elsewhere and reduce the risk of torrential rain and flooding ahead of the year-end holidays, according to a statement released on Saturday.
The disaster agency had previously used cloud seeding, the effectiveness of which is debated in the scientific community, in West Java and Central Java after the regions reported flooding in recent weeks.
“Having authorities trying to modify the weather does not mean that people can lower their guard,” BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari said in a statement released on Saturday.
The cloud seeding operation in East Java lasted until Sunday, but East Java Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD East Java) spokesman Alfi Yusron said they “could carry out another operation if necessary”.
Regional administrations across Java, meanwhile, have been working to ensure safe travel for the year-end holidays.
In Demak, Central Java, authorities reportedly warned travelers of potential tidal flooding, urging them to exercise caution while traveling through the northern coastal city.
