According to a report from the Malaysian Meteorological Department, a cloud seeding operation in Sabah has achieved a 67% success rate, with some rainfall recorded in three targeted areas over the past two days.
Lahad Datu saw 26mm of rainfall on the first day of the operation and no rainfall on the second day. Tawau received 27mm of rainfall on Thursday and 2mm on Friday, while Papar, which has been experiencing drought, recorded 4mm of rainfall on Friday following the cloud seeding.
The Sabah Meteorological Department’s report indicated that the cloud seeding operations took place from 11.15pm to 12.45pm on March 28 and 11.05am to 1.05pm on March 29. Another cloud seeding operation is scheduled for Saturday.
Nadma is conducting the cloud seeding operations in Papar, Lahad Datu, and Tawau, with the aim of replenishing water resources in rain catchments due to the ongoing hot weather.
Papar district declared a drought emergency earlier this month, prompting the state government to provide emergency water supplies to over 58,000 households in 12 districts.
Sabah has been experiencing a dry and hot spell since February, leading to various fires including jungle/forest fires and brush fires.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed hope that the cloud seeding operations would help increase water capacity in the catchments.
