By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 14: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is planning to carry out the third series of cloud seeding operations (CSO) in the State as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the ongoing hot, dry weather and haze conditions, with priority given to critical dam catchment areas and water catchment zones.
In a statement today, SDMC said the planned operation, to be implemented in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), aims to increase rainfall in targeted areas to help sustain water supply resources and maintain reservoir water levels.
The committee said the focus would be on areas identified as critical, particularly locations that play an important role in ensuring the continuity of the Sarawak’s water supply and the stability of dam reserves.
However, SDMC noted that the implementation of the cloud seeding operation would depend on the availability of suitable cloud formations, favourable atmospheric conditions and other meteorological factors.
“METMalaysia will continue to carry out technical analyses and assessments to determine the suitability of locations, timing and atmospheric conditions before the operation is conducted,” it said.
The committee said it is closely monitoring the hot, dry weather and haze situation currently affecting several parts of Sarawak.
Based on air quality and weather data recorded at noon today, 18 locations were under observation, with several areas registering unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
Among the locations recording unhealthy API levels were Serian District Police Headquarters (182), Kuching (171), Samarahan (170), Sri Aman (162), Sarikei (158), Mukah (151), Bintulu (151), Tebedu (150) and Lundu (102).
SDMC warned that the prolonged dry spell could adversely affect air quality and water supply sources while increasing the risk of forest fires, peatland fires and open burning incidents.
It said monitoring efforts have been intensified in cooperation with relevant agencies, covering weather developments, air pollution levels, hotspots, forest and peatland fires, as well as the status of water supply resources across Sarawak.
SDMC added that it would continue working closely with NADMA, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), the Department of Environment (DOE), the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), utility providers and other relevant agencies to ensure coordinated and effective measures are taken to monitor, prevent and mitigate haze and fire risks. — DayakDaily
