Cloud Seeding Helps Stabilise Water Levels In Major Dams - Uggah

KUCHING, May 11 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak state government is conducting a two-day cloud seeding operation over the catchment areas of three major state dams, starting today, to boost rainfall potential amid dry weather and unpredictable climate patterns.

Deputy Premier of Sarawak and state disaster management committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the operation targets the catchment areas of Batang Ai Dam in Lubok Antu, and Bakun and Murum dams in Belaga.

"This cloud seeding operation is an intervention to boost rainfall potential over major dam catchments, helping stabilise critical reservoir levels for hydroelectric power, raw water supply, and sustainable water resources in Sarawak.

"The main goals are to increase rainfall over target areas, stabilise key reservoir levels, cut risks to raw water supplies, and bolster efforts against dry spells and El Niño/La Niña impacts," he said in today's statement.

He said it involves cooperation among the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), and other related agencies.

Uggah said the operation was carried out using an aircraft flying at an altitude of about 5,000 to 9,000 feet over rain-bearing clouds, with hygroscopic substances such as industrial-grade salt dispersed into suitable cloud systems.

He said weather radar monitoring and atmospheric analysis were carried out continuously before, during and after the operation to ensure it was effective and safe.

Cloud seeding operations are usually carried out based on specific needs and technical assessments, including during haze to help boost rainfall and improve air quality, or when water levels in major dams and reservoirs fall to low levels.

-- BERNAMA