BNPB conducts Weather Modification Operation to tackle Anak Krakatau volcanic ash

The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, stated that the agency is conducting a Weather Modification Operation (OMC) on Sunday to address the volcanic ash resulting from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

“Today we are carrying out the OMC. The aircraft are ready at Pondok Cabe, and the operation will continue until tonight,” Suharyanto said during an online press conference regarding the situation and conditions following the Anak Krakatau eruption in Jakarta on Sunday.

“The goal is to induce rain. If heavy rain falls, the volcanic ash that has been disrupting our lives since yesterday and today can be washed away immediately,” he added.

Secondly, if cloud cover is unavailable, the agency will deploy water mist to disperse dangerous ash particles. “For DKI Jakarta, Banten, and Lampung, if there is no development of rain clouds, we have agreed with the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) to use the water mist method to break down hazardous ash particles,” said Suharyante.

He noted that, as of now, neither the district nor provincial governments affected in Banten and Lampung have declared an emergency status. “The affected district and provincial governments have not yet declared an emergency status. An emergency status would involve requesting assistance from the central government through the BNPB to immediately deploy personnel to the field,” he explained.

Nevertheless, the agency has dispatched teams to Banten and Lampung to directly monitor the situation on the ground regarding the Anak Krakatau eruption and its impact on the community. The agency will also check the availability of food supplies in the logistics warehouses of the relevant district and provincial governments.

“We must ensure that they do not run empty. If assistance from the central government is required, we will push for it immediately,” Suharyanto concluded.