Jakarta expands cloud seeing to curb flood risks

Jakarta has extended its weather modification efforts to curb intense rainfall and prevent flooding in the capital and surrounding satellite cities until Feb. 2. The Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has been dispersing salt and quicklime into clouds as part of the operation.

Jakarta Extends Cloud Seeding Operation

On Tuesday, the BPBD dispersed 3.2 tonnes of sodium chloride and calcium oxide into clouds over Jakarta, Bekasi, and Bogor. Cloud seeding operations have been conducted at altitudes between 900 and 3,700 meters above sea level, focusing on the northern and southern parts of Jakarta and neighboring areas.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated the expansion of the operation to include Tangerang and South Tangerang in Banten, as well as Bogor and Bekasi in West Java, is aimed at preventing flooding from neighboring cities. Authorities have utilized cloud seeding in recent years to both induce rain during droughts and divert rain clouds.

Since Jan. 12, a total of 97.8 tonnes of sodium chloride and calcium oxide have been disbursed. The operation was initially scheduled to conclude on Tuesday but was extended to further reduce rainfall intensity.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings about potential heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions across southern Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara islands until the end of the month, potentially triggering floods and landslides.

These conditions are influenced by severe tropical cyclone invests forming over the Indian Ocean, including Invest 98S, as well as an intensifying Asian monsoon and a cold surge from mainland Asia.

The Jakarta BPBD has also warned of potential tidal flooding along the city’s northern coast from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, particularly in Ancol, Cilincing, and Tanjung Priok. Flooding in East, South, and North Jakarta from last week has begun to recede, and the City Hall has pledged to cover medical costs for flood victims. At least two deaths were reported during the recent flooding.