By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 26: Sept 3 to 5 has been identified as a potential window for cloud seeding as Sarawak steps up efforts to boost declining dam water levels ahead of the anticipated strengthening of El Niño.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is currently assessing weather conditions for a possible cloud seeding operation, with a further meeting scheduled for Sept 1 to determine whether conditions are suitable.
The development was announced following a special coordination meeting of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) today involving relevant agencies and all Resident Offices to coordinate preparedness and mitigation measures for the anticipated hot and dry conditions.
Sarawak Energy and Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) had called for further cloud seeding operations as dry conditions are expected to persist.
“However, prevailing weather conditions so far had not provided suitable cloud formations for the operation,” the committee said in a statement today.
Previous cloud seeding exercises conducted on May 11 and 12, June 19 and 20, and June 21 had a positive impact on dam water levels, according to Sarawak Energy.
SDMC had also requested additional cloud seeding support from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in July.
The latest effort comes as MetMalaysia forecasts that El Niño conditions are expected to intensify in Sarawak between October and December 2026 and may persist until at least April 2027.
The current El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook places El Niño at moderate intensity, with a high potential for the phenomenon to strengthen to strong or “Super” El Niño intensity between September 2026 and January 2027.
“Rainfall in southwestern Sarawak is also expected to be below average between October and December, increasing concerns over water resources and dam levels,” SDMC said.
With the possibility of a prolonged dry spell, SDMC has agreed to establish a Special Operations Team at the State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC) to continuously monitor and coordinate the impact of declining water levels throughout Sarawak.
The Welfare Department and JBALB are meanwhile continuing to provide water assistance to affected communities where necessary.
Resident Offices and relevant agencies have also been directed to review their preparedness, including water supplies, logistics and resources, to ensure timely assistance can be provided if conditions deteriorate.
The dry weather has also heightened concern over fires and haze, with 287 hotspots recorded in Sarawak since January, including 171 in August alone.
In neighbouring Kalimantan, 11,364 hotspots have been recorded since January, including 8,989 in August.
“The increase in hotspot activity in August was associated with prevailing hot and dry conditions, while hotspot activity, wind direction and rainfall would continue to influence the haze situation,” SDMC added.
The committee said it would continue to monitor weather conditions, dam and water levels, hotspots, haze and the development of El Niño, while coordinating preventive and contingency measures with relevant agencies.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and follow advice from the authorities as preparations intensify ahead of potentially worsening dry conditions. — DayakDaily
