Cloud Seeding Operation Series 3 Planned To Mitigate Hot Weather Conditions
KUCHING: The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), is planning to carry out the third series of the Cloud Seeding Operation (OPA) in Sarawak as a mitigation measure against prolonged hot and dry weather conditions.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and SDMC Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the operation will focus on identified critical dam and water catchment areas, particularly those important for ensuring continuous water supply and maintaining stable dam levels.
He said the effort aims to increase the potential for rainfall in targeted areas, thereby helping to maintain the availability of the state’s water resources.
“The implementation of OPA Series 3 is subject to the availability of suitable clouds, as well as favourable atmospheric conditions and meteorological factors.
“The effectiveness of the operation depends on the presence of cloud systems with specific characteristics that meet technical criteria and aviation safety requirements.
“METMalaysia will continue to conduct technical analyses and assessments to determine the suitability of locations, timing and atmospheric conditions before the operation is carried out,” he said in a media statement on Friday.
He said SDMC will continue working with NADMA, METMalaysia, the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), the Department of Environment (DOE), the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), utility agencies and other relevant agencies to ensure that monitoring, prevention and mitigation of haze and fire risks are carried out in an integrated manner.
Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also informed that 18 locations are being monitored based on weather situation and air quality reports as of 12 noon on Friday.
Several locations recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at the Unhealthy level, including IPD Serian (182), Kuching (171), Samarahan (170), Sri Aman (162), Sarikei (158), Mukah (151), Bintulu (151), Tebedu (150) and Lundu (102). -UKASnews
