According to AFP, Malaysia has started artificial rain since September 3. This operation will last 3 days to reduce the dangerous smog covering Sarawak, as smoke from wildfires in Indonesia has increased the air pollution index here to a dangerous level.
The amount of rain generated can help reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air, thereby contributing to improving environmental quality and limiting the impact of smog.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Board informed that the artificial rain is also aimed at supplementing water reserves to respond to the risk of hotter and drier weather in the coming time. In which, focus on 3 hydropower dams and 13 river basins.
Chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Board Douglas Uggah Embas said that the operation involves the Air Force, the National Disaster Management Agency and the Malaysian Meteorological Administration.
The participating aircraft are expected to spray salt solution into clouds at altitudes from 1,500 - 2,100m over target areas.
Rainmaking is only carried out when there are clouds and suitable atmospheric conditions. The formation of clouds and rainfall will be continuously monitored to assess the effectiveness of activity.
People in Sarawak state are suffering from severe smog for days as smoke from wildfires in Indonesia's Kalimantan province covers the area, increasing health problems, especially respiratory risks.
Air quality in Sarawak has deteriorated for many days, with 7 locations recording air pollution index (API) above 300 - a dangerous level. The town of Serian is most severely affected with the API index at 475.
Health authorities recommend that people limit outdoor activities and wear specialized masks to limit the impact of smog in affected areas.
Prolonged drought has also put pressure on water supply infrastructure. Since the beginning of this year, state welfare agencies have distributed more than 450,000 barrels of drinking water to more than 225,000 people.
