Analysis of Weather Modification Operations as Mitigation for Hydrometeorological Disasters in West Sumatra: A Case Study of the December 2025 Emergency Response

Dimas Andrianto; Sukendra Martha; Aris Poniman; Asep Adang Supriyadi; Dangan Waluyo

doi:10.59890/ijsas.v4i4.435

Authors

Dimas Andrianto Indonesian Defense University
Sukendra Martha Indonesian Defense University
Aris Poniman Indonesian Defense University
Asep Adang Supriyadi Indonesian Defense University
Dangan Waluyo Indonesian Defense University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsas.v4i4.435

Keywords:

Weather Modification Operations, Disaster Mitigation, West Sumatra, Orographic Topography, Rainfall Redistribut

Abstract

The hydrometeorological disaster following flash floods in West Sumatra requires a rapid emergency mitigation response. The extreme topography of the Bukit Barisan mountains poses a particular challenge in efforts to control rainfall potential through weather modification technology. This study aims to analyze the implementation mechanism, tactical seeding strategy, and effectiveness of Weather Modification Operations (WMO) in redistributing rainfall in complex orographic areas during the emergency response period. The study uses a qualitative descriptive method with a field study approach conducted from December 10 to 22, 2025. Data were collected through operational observations of 69 flight sorties, analysis of the use of 68 tons of seeding materials (51 tons of NaCl and 17 tons of CaO), and spatial validation using flight path overlays and CMAX weather radar imagery. The results showed that the Sectoral Interception strategy implemented in the West and Northwest sectors was effective in triggering rainfall in coastal and marine areas before the air mass entered the mountainous area. The combination of the Competition Mechanism technique using NaCl and Cloud Disruption using CaO proved capable of breaking up massive convective cloud concentrations. The operation faced significant constraints in the form of Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) limitations and rapid orographic cloud growth, which limited the effective operation time window to 07:00–16:00 WIB. Overall, OMC was effective in reducing the potential for extreme rainfall in disaster-prone upstream areas through the mechanism of rainfall redistribution. This study recommends the need for specific operational protocols for weather modification operations in areas with extreme topography.

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