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View all search resultsBatam launches seed clouds to secure water supply ahead of El Niño
Weather modification efforts started on May 15 for 20 days in cooperation with the Meteorological, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
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Indonesian Air Force airmen load salt into a NC-212-200 transport aircraft on March 14, 2023, at Raden Sadjad Air Force Base in Ranai, Natuna regency, Riau Islands, during preparation for a cloud seeding flight over Serasan Island. (Antara/Raden Sadjad Air Force Base)
T
he Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam) has started weather modification operations to secure water supply on the industrial island in Riau Islands province ahead of potential drought induced by the El Nino climate phenomenon.
The rain making operations, in cooperation with the Meteorological, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), are scheduled for 20 days and started on May 15.
Water levels at six main dams have decreased significantly, threatening both household and manufacturing sectors.
The main dams are in Nongsa, Sei Ladi, Sei Harapan, Mukakuning, Tembesi and Duriangkang.
BMKG’s Hang Nadim Station head Ramlan Djambak said although El Niño would not impact Riau Islands as severe as southern Indonesia, especially Java Island, the global weather anomaly will still trigger worrying reduced water levels locally.
“The typical rainfall in Riau Islands is equatorial. There will be some impacts from El Niño but will not as severe in Java,” he said on Thursday.
“However, indications of reduced water are already clearly seen. That is why BP Batam initiated this weather modification operation for drinking water supply system [SPAM].”
