BNPB: Weather Modification Operations in Central Kalimantan Have Yet to Produce Rain
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stated that weather modification operations (OMC) conducted in Central Kalimantan have not yet produced rain because cloud growth in the region’s atmosphere remains very low.
Berton SP Panjaitan, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, stated in Jakarta on Wednesday that the OMC was conducted once, involving the dispersal of 800 kilograms of salt over a period of two hours and eight minutes as part of efforts to tackle forest and land fires (karhutla).
“This condition means that efforts to extinguish forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan are still relying on ground and air operations,” he said.
He revealed that ground operations are being carried out by approximately 10,700 task force personnel across 10 regencies and cities, namely Palangka Raya, East Kotawaringin, Seruyan, Katingan, Kapuas, Pulang Pisau, Lamandau, North Barito, South Barito, and Gunung Mas.
Meanwhile, air operations utilised two aircraft with a total flight duration of three hours and 12 minutes.
Nevertheless, he noted that as of 1 September 2024, 50 hotspots were recorded with a burnt area of more than 77 hectares, while more than 48 hectares of land have been successfully extinguished.
Berton added that four helicopters are on standby, while one water-bombing helicopter is undergoing maintenance. This maintenance is being conducted to ensure the readiness of engines and operators when the fleet is required again for fire management.
“The fire conditions are also impacting air quality in the affected areas of Central Kalimantan. BNPB notes that air quality is in the very unhealthy category, with visibility reduced to approximately three kilometres,” he remarked.
He confirmed that despite the weather conditions and the impact of smoke on air quality, community activities in Central Kalimantan continue as usual, including face-to-face teaching and learning activities.