Samarinda, Sept. 17 -- The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has intensified its Weather Modification Operation (OMC) by preparing three tons of sodium chloride (NaCl), or salt, to induce artificial rainfall in East Kalimantan.

Efforts to induce artificial rainfall are being carried out to help extinguish forest and land fires and alleviate drought in the area.

Expert Advisor to the Head of BNPB, Air Commodore Albertus Irianto, said here on Thursday that the presence of clouds with rain-producing potential offered an opportunity to help reduce the impact of smoke and dry conditions in several areas.

"We hope these clouds have the potential to produce rainfall, so conditions in the affected areas can gradually improve," Irianto...