Cloud Seeding and Water Mist Used to Disperse Mount Anak Krakatau Ash
- 07 Sep 2026 09:50 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- The government is preparing Weather Modification Operations (OMC) and a water mist technique to reduce the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau.
- The OMC aims to stimulate rainfall through cloud seeding to bring volcanic ash down from the atmosphere.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Facing the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau in the waters of the Sunda Strait, the Indonesian government is not relying solely on cloud seeding in the upper atmosphere but is also preparing a water mist technique to sweep particulate debris from the lower atmospheric layers. This combination of macro- and micro-scale weather intervention is now racing against time to wash out volcanic residue before air quality and surface water sources in affected areas deteriorate sharply.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Head, Suharyanto, said a Weather Modification Operation (OMC) will be carried out once weather conditions and flight safety permit. The step is being taken as volcanic ash continues to affect operations at several airports.
“When conditions are more conducive, we will conduct OMC. The aircraft is ready at Pondok Cabe,” he said in Jakarta on Monday, September 7, 2026.
He explained that OMC is one of the measures prepared by the government to help bring down volcanic ash material from the atmosphere by stimulating or seeding rainfall. In addition to cloud seeding, BNPB is also preparing a water mist technique to increase the likelihood of rain in affected areas.
According to Suharyanto, OMC implementation will continue to prioritize security and safety aspects, as volcanic ash still affects flight activity. Several airports remain closed or are experiencing operational disruptions as a precaution against risks posed by volcanic material.
In response to Anak Krakatau’s activity, BNPB has held online coordination with Regional Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBD) in areas affected by volcanic ash. This is to track community conditions and field response needs.
“We have conducted intensive video conferences to monitor developments in the conditions of communities affected by the eruption,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
BNPB has also dispatched personnel to several affected locations to directly monitor community situations. These teams are tasked with ensuring local governments’ readiness to face possible further impacts of volcanic activity.
In this regard, Suharyanto urged local administration to ensure the readiness of disaster mitigation equipment, including early warning system functions, evacuation sites, and contingency plans. Local authorities are also asked to guarantee the availability of food stocks and basic needs managed at the provincial, regency, and city levels.
“If further assistance is needed, we will push for support from the central government,” he said.
To date, no affected local administration has declared a disaster emergency status. However, BNPB will continue to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to anticipate developments in Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity and its impact on communities. ***
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