Cloud Seeding In Kedah, Perak To Combat Drought, Low Water Levels - NADMA

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), is implementing cloud seeding operations (OPA) in the Northern Zone to mitigate the effects of hot weather and declining water levels at several major dams.

NADMA posted on Facebook that the operations, which began yesterday, will continue today, with the focus on rain catchment areas in Kedah and Perlis, involving several strategic dams that are the main sources of water supply for domestic, industrial and agricultural usage.

"In Kedah, the areas comprise the Pedu Dam, which serves as the main lifeline for paddy irrigation and domestic and industrial water supply; the Muda Dam, which functions as a balancing reservoir with its water channelled to the Pedu Dam via the Saiong Tunnel and the Ahning Dam, which is among the important dams for releasing water for domestic and industrial use,” it said.

Meanwhile, in Perak, the operation is centred at the Bukit Merah Dam to ensure the stability of the paddy irrigation system in the northern state, in addition to the Temenggor Dam that serves as a hydroelectric power generator and water catchment area to supply drinking water and meet the needs of the agricultural sector, particularly in the Perak Tengah district.

The operations involved the use of C-130 Hercules aircraft, which departed from the Subang Air Base.

NADMA hoped that the operation would help restore water reserves for the well-being of the people, particularly for the agricultural sector and domestic use.

The OPA is carried out to enhance the rain formation process and increase the amount of rainfall in selected areas during water shortage crises, haze and forest fires. 

-- BERNAMA