BNPB prioritises weather modification to address flooding in Greater Bandung

Bandung (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is prioritising the implementation of weather modification to address flooding in West Java, particularly in Bandung and its surroundings. Acting Head of the Operations Control Centre (Kapusdalops) BNPB, Colonel Inf Hery Setiono, stated that one of the main steps is the execution of Weather Modification Operations (OMC) to suppress rainfall intensity in flood-prone areas. “Therefore, weather modification efforts continue to be prioritised to reduce the impact of rain in areas with flood potential,” he said during a visit in Bandung on Friday. “If there are matters requiring support, especially in terms of funding and infrastructure improvements, local governments can coordinate through regents and relevant parties in accordance with technical considerations on the ground,” he added. BNPB also mentioned that it will prioritise handling in high-risk areas, including river basins in Bandung affected by flooding. “High-risk areas will become priorities for handling so that the disaster impact does not worsen,” he stated. BNPB is also continuously reporting field condition developments to relevant parties and encouraging the strengthening of local government roles in disaster mitigation and handling efforts. These steps, he said, are expected to suppress flood impacts while increasing preparedness to face the ongoing potential for extreme weather.