Surabaya Firefighters Spray Roads to Combat Extreme Heat

Surabaya's firefighters are implementing an unusual emergency measure to combat the extreme heat gripping the Indonesian city: they are spraying water on major asphalt roads. This initiative aims to mitigate the risks of heatstroke and dust exposure for residents during the dry season, as daytime temperatures have been soaring above 30 degrees Celsius.

The head of the Surabaya Fire Department, M Rokhim, stated that the road-spraying operation has been conducted routinely for several weeks following numerous public complaints about the intense heat and the shimmering effect caused by expanding asphalt. "We have been watering since Wednesday based on the proposal and reports from residents that the daytime temperature in Surabaya is very scorching," Rokhim confirmed.

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We have been watering since Wednesday based on the proposal and reports from residents that the daytime temperature in Surabaya is very scorching.

Firefighting vehicles are being deployed in rotation to cool down the roads. Rokhim assured that this preventive watering does not compromise the department's readiness for primary emergency responses, such as firefighting. The operation is currently concentrated on main thoroughfares and congested areas, stretching from Jalan Basuki Rahmad to Jalan Pahlawan near Alun-alun Contong.

In addition to cooling the roads, the fire department is urging citizens to take personal precautions when outdoors. "We urge the public to always use sunscreen when active outdoors, always carry drinking water supplies, so the body does not dehydrate," Rokhim advised.

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To the public, we urge to always use sunscreen when active outdoors, always carry drinking water supplies, so the body does not dehydrate.