South Kalimantan considers second weather modification operation to anticipate forest fires during dry season

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is considering the implementation of a second phase of Weather Modification Operations (OMC) to anticipate forest and land fires during the prolonged dry season, though it is awaiting adequate cloud conditions for seeding.

The Head of the South Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Ronny Eka Saputra, stated in Banjarbaru on Saturday that the first phase of the OMC was conducted from 15-21 July 2024. However, follow-up operations cannot yet be deployed because the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has assessed that cloud distribution in the region is thinning, meaning the requirements for seeding have not yet been met.

He explained that cloud availability is the primary factor in determining the execution of the OMC, as weather modification technology can only be utilised if there are sufficiently thick clouds to seed, creating the potential for rainfall to support the control of forest fires and drought.

“Everything depends on the actual weather situation and conditions in the field; if the surrounding clouds are adequate for seeding, we will immediately implement the OMC,” he said.

According to him, the aerial fleet has an operational area covering the whole of South Kalimantan based on reports from ground and aerial patrols. Therefore, if no incidents occur in one area, helicopters can be moved to other regions requiring intervention.

He added that if fires occur in priority areas or ‘Ring 1’ zones, the deployment of the aerial fleet will be focused there first, while another unit continues patrolling various regions to monitor potential hotspots. In addition to the aerial fleet, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is also providing logistical support and equipment to South Kalimantan, including water pumps, hoses, and other supporting gear to strengthen forest fire suppression operations on the ground.