Bandung, W. Java. West Java authorities have launched a weather modification operation to reduce the risk of further disasters as search and rescue teams continue to recover victims from a deadly landslide in Cisarua, West Bandung, triggered by days of heavy rainfall.

The West Java provincial government, working with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), began cloud-seeding operations on Jan. 25 and will continue through Jan. 29. The operation is based at Husein Sastranegara Air Base in Bandung and involves the provincial disaster mitigation agency (BPBD) and the Indonesian Air Force. BMKG said the operation aims to reduce extreme rainfall before storm systems reach densely populated or disaster-prone areas, lowering the risk of floods and landslides. 

“The Indonesian Air Force deployed a Cassa 212 aircraft with registration number A-2107 in today’s operation. The team carried out its first sortie at 9:50 a.m. local time, focusing on cloud seeding over the Jatiluhur area,” said BMKG Weather Modification Operations Director Budi Harsoyo said in a statement on Monday.

He said the measures are also intended to support evacuation efforts and the delivery of aid, particularly in Pasirlangu village in Cisarua, where landslides have caused extensive damage.

West Java Governor officials said the operation was ordered as a proactive step to protect residents. Provincial Secretary Herman Suryatman said controlling rainfall intensity was critical to ensure evacuation teams could operate safely and logistics could reach affected communities without disruption from severe weather.

Despite the operation, authorities urged residents to remain alert to potential hydrometeorological disasters and to monitor official weather updates through BMKG and local government channels.

The weather intervention comes as rescue efforts continue in Cisarua following a major landslide early Saturday. Chief Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said unstable soil conditions remain the main challenge, complicating evacuation work.

Heavy machinery has been deployed, but operations have been slowed by the risk of further ground movement. Agus said he has coordinated closely with the public works minister, who has visited the site to oversee response efforts.

Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters underscores the importance of stronger mitigation measures, Agus said, warning that climate change and global warming are real challenges that must be factored into policy decisions at both national and regional levels.

Conditions at the evacuation center in Pasirlangu have grown increasingly crowded three days after the disaster, with health, logistics, and social assistance tents set up to support displaced residents. Aid deliveries continue, while children at the shelter have been encouraged to take part in group activities to help reduce trauma.

As of Monday, rescuers had recovered 34 body bags, including nine found that day.

Separately, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali confirmed that 23 Marines were buried by the landslide while conducting training exercises in the area. Four have been found dead, while 19 remain missing. Search operations using drones, thermal sensors, and tracking dogs are ongoing, as heavy equipment has yet to reach the site due to poor weather and limited access roads.