BNPB Uses Weather Modification to Reduce Volcanic Ash in Jakarta, Banten and Lampung

Indonesia’s disaster agency is turning to weather modification to limit the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau across Jakarta, Banten and Lampung.

BNPB chief Suharyanto said the operation would run on Sunday, Sept. 6, through the evening, using an aircraft prepared at Pondok Cabe Airport. The agency has two methods available, depending on cloud conditions.

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Today we are also carrying out weather modification operations. The aircraft is ready at Pondok Cabe, and the operation will be conducted today through the evening.

If rain clouds develop, officials will try to trigger rainfall strong enough to wash ash from the air. If no rain clouds form, BNPB and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency will use a fine water mist to help break up hazardous ash particles.

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There are two techniques for weather modification. The first is to bring rain, and if the rain falls heavily enough, the volcanic ash can quickly be washed down.

Pondok Cabe Airport has been closed because of the ash. Teuku Faisal said authorities were coordinating the possible relocation of the operation to Halim or Husein Sastranegara, so the aircraft could operate from an airport not affected by the closure. An operational update at 12:30 p.m. said Pondok Cabe would remain closed until 2 p.m., while Husein Sastranegara would remain closed until 4 p.m.

Mount Anak Krakatau has erupted from Friday night, Sept. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 6. Volcanic ash has spread from Bengkulu to Jakarta. Suharyanto said he hoped the operation would help improve conditions in the affected areas.

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When there are no clouds, we have agreed with BMKG to use the water mist method to break up the hazardous ash particles.