Jakarta, Nov. 28 -- The government has launched weather modification operations to reduce rainfall and prevent follow-up disasters besides speeding up handling victims of widespread floods and landslides in Sumatra.

"We have started (weather modification) flight operations to divert rainfall toward the sea. These efforts are now ongoing," Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno said here on Friday.

He explained that Tropical Cyclone Senyar, which caused extreme rainfall across Sumatra, has begun to weaken. However, he urged the public to remain alert as Tropical Cyclone Koto has emerged in northern areas.

"We are monitoring Cyclone Koto, which is located farther north. We hope it will not approach Indonesia's l...