Indonesia conducts weather modification to prevent rain during National Sports Week opening
Image credit: JMA/Himawari-9, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers. Acquired at 08:00 UTC on September 9, 2024
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) began implementing a weather modification operation in the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra on September 8, 2024.
The operation implemented salt seeding to prevent rainfall during the opening ceremony of the National Sports Week (PON) scheduled for September 9.
It began in the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, with PON scheduled to run from September 9 to 20. As part of the initiative, four tons of salt were dispersed over the coastal waters of Aceh Besar.
The operation will continue until September 10, in collaboration with the Aceh Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and an aviation company.
Nasrol Aidil, the head of BMKG Aceh, stated that the weather modification is a precautionary measure to avoid disruptions caused by rain during the opening ceremony.
In addition to ensuring favorable conditions for PON, the operation also aims to reduce the risk of hydrometeorological disasters during the region’s transition to the rainy season, expected between September and October.
PON is Indonesia’s largest multi-sport event, bringing together athletes from all provinces to compete at a national level. Beyond sports, PON plays a vital role in promoting national unity, developing athletic talent, and spurring regional infrastructure growth in host provinces. It also garners widespread media attention, making it a significant event in Indonesia’s sporting and cultural landscape.
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1 BMKG conducts weather modification to ensure rain-free PON opening – Antara – September 9, 2024
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