Jakarta expands cloud seeing to curb flood risks

Jakarta is intensifying efforts to mitigate the impact of recent heavy rainfall and prevent further flooding. The Jakarta provincial administration has extended its weather modification program, commonly known as cloud seeding, to include surrounding satellite cities until February 2nd. This action follows flooding that impacted areas of East, South, and North Jakarta last week, resulting in at least two reported fatalities.

Expanding Weather Modification Efforts

On Tuesday, the Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) dispersed 3.2 tonnes of sodium chloride (salt) and calcium oxide (quicklime) into clouds. This involved four flights operating at altitudes between 900 and 3,700 meters over Jakarta, Bekasi, and Bogor. The operation has now been broadened to potentially include Tangerang and South Tangerang in Banten province, as well.

A Proactive Approach

According to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, the expansion is a preventative measure. “We are also launching [cloud seeding] at the borders because there’s indeed a possibility of high rainfall in the coming days,” he stated. The administration has disbursed a total of 97.8 tonnes of the materials since January 12th.

Did You Know? Cloud seeding has been utilized in Jakarta for several years, both to induce rainfall during droughts and to divert rain clouds from populated areas.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings regarding potential heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions across southern Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara islands until the end of the month. These conditions could trigger further floods and landslides.

Contributing Factors

Several atmospheric conditions are contributing to the current weather patterns. These include the formation of a tropical cyclone invest, designated Invest 98S, over the Indian Ocean, as well as an intensifying Asian monsoon and a cold surge originating from mainland Asia. The BMKG has also issued a high tide warning for Jakarta’s northern coast, specifically mentioning Ancol, Cilincing, and Tanjung Priok as areas prone to tidal flooding between January 27th and February 3rd.

Expert Insight: The Jakarta administration’s proactive use of cloud seeding demonstrates a commitment to mitigating the immediate risks posed by extreme weather events. However, relying solely on technological interventions addresses the symptoms, not the underlying causes of increased rainfall and flooding, which may require broader urban planning and infrastructure investments.

While floodwaters in some Jakarta areas have begun to recede, the City Hall has pledged to cover medical expenses for those affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cloud seeding?

Cloud seeding involves dispersing materials like salt and quicklime into clouds from aircraft to attempt to trigger or modify precipitation.

Which areas are currently under a high tide warning?

The coastal areas of North Jakarta, including Ancol, Cilincing, and Tanjung Priok, are under a high tide warning from January 27th to February 3rd.

What weather conditions are contributing to the flooding?

An intensifying Asian monsoon, a cold surge from mainland Asia, and the formation of a tropical cyclone invest (Invest 98S) are contributing to increased rainfall across the region.

As Jakarta continues its weather modification efforts, will these measures be sufficient to protect vulnerable communities from the ongoing threat of flooding?