Cloud Seeding Operation Begins In Sarawak To Support Dam Water Levels
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and related agencies is implementing a cloud seeding operation in main dam catchment areas in Sarawak on 11 to 12 May.
According to Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, this operation involves the target areas at the Batang Ai Dam (Lubok Antu), Bakun Dam and Murum Dam in Belaga, with the RMAF Kuching Air Base as the operations and flight coordination centre.
“This cloud seeding operation is a weather intervention measure to increase the potential for rain formation in main dam catchment areas, therefore supporting the stability of dam water levels which are critical to hydroelectric power generation, raw water supply and the sustainability of water resources in Sarawak.
“Among the main objectives of this operation are to increase rainfall in the target area, support the stability of strategic dam water levels, reduce the risk of raw water supply shortages, and strengthen efforts to mitigate the effects of dry weather and the El Niño/La Niña phenomenon,” he said in a statement on Monday.
The Sarawak Deputy Premier said this operation reflects the Sarawak Government's continued commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the state, particularly to support the needs of power generation, water supply and the wellbeing of the people.
“The Sarawak Government will continue to strengthen preparedness and mitigation measures in facing the challenges of increasingly uncertain weather change.
“The implementation of this cloud seeding operation is among the proactive approaches implemented through strategic collaboration between various agencies for the benefit of the people and the development of the region,” he added.
He further noted that the operation will be carried out by flying aircraft at altitudes of around 5,000 to 9,000 feet in areas of potential rain clouds, with the dispersion of hygroscopic materials such as industrial grade salt into appropriate cloud systems.
“Continuous weather radar monitoring and atmospheric analysis will be carried out before, during and after the operation to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the operation.
“The parties involved include NADMA, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration), METMalaysia, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), RMAF, the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), Sarawak Energy and Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd,” he said.
Cloud seeding operations are generally implemented based on specific technical needs and assessments, including during haze conditions to help increase rainfall and improve air quality, or when water levels in dams and main reservoirs are at low levels that can affect water supply and energy generation.
Therefore, Datuk Amar Douglass Uggah stressed that the implementation of the operation is not done arbitrarily, relying on meteorological studies, atmospheric conditions and the existence of suitable cloud systems to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the operation.
He also expressed the Sarawak Government’s continued commitment in strengthening sustainable water resource management and improving the readiness of Sarawak in facing the challenges of extreme weather change through technological approaches and strategic collaboration between various agencies. -UKASnews
