Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto is pursuing weather modification efforts to expedite the evacuation of residents affected by a landslide in Cisarua sub-district, West Bandung District.
During an inspection of the disaster site on Saturday, Bima said the accelerated evacuation measures align with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to optimize search and rescue operations for victims.
“Weather modification will be concentrated in the affected areas to support optimal evacuation efforts. This is also in line with the President’s instruction to ensure field teams can work safely and that affected residents receive full attention,” Bima said.
He added that the regional government has taken swift steps, including providing temporary housing for displaced residents and ensuring the availability of logistics support and financial assistance.
“These incentives are temporary and will be provided for two months to ensure residents remain protected while awaiting a long-term solution. Coordination with the provincial government is ongoing to ensure no residents are left behind,” he said.
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Bima noted that weather modification will be focused on Cisarua sub-district to create safer conditions for search and rescue teams operating in the area. The measures aim to support optimal search operations amid challenging terrain, where landslide debris mixed with water has complicated evacuation efforts, he said.
“We received a report from the governor that weather modification will be carried out centrally in this area to ensure weather conditions remain conducive for the ongoing search for affected residents,” Bima added.
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Meanwhile, Head of the Bandung Search and Rescue Office Ade Dian said the search for landslide victims was temporarily suspended on the first day due to hazardous conditions at the site.
“Today’s search operation has been halted, with a total of nine bodies found intact, one body part recovered, and 81 people still reported missing. The search will resume tomorrow at 7:00 a.m.,” Dian said.
