Serang, Jan. 21 -- Indonesia's disaster agency has deployed aircraft to conduct weather modification over Banten Province to reduce heavy rainfall and support evacuation and relief efforts after floods, landslides and strong winds hit Serang District.

"This is our focus to reduce rainfall so that emergency handling, such as evacuation and logistics distribution, can be maximized," said Agus Riyanto, director of emergency resource support at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

Riyanto spoke after handing over logistical aid and emergency response equipment to the Serang district government on Wednesday, as authorities stepped up efforts to limit further damage.

He said the rapid intervention followed a report from Serang off...