(Eagle News) — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has released P18.3 million to regional offices of the Department of Agriculture for the conduct of cloud-seeding operations that will supposedly help mitigate the effects of El Nino.
In a statement, the NDRRMC said the operations, which aim to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from the clouds by dispersing substances into the air that modify microphysical processes, have been recommended for Regions II and XII, and were slated to start today, Thursday, March 14.
The NDRRMC said the operations will end on May 21.
“We want to assure the public that the government is doing everything to ensure adequate water supply for all,” NDRRMC Executive Director, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said.
The NDRRMC’s statement came after Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol ordered the conduct of the cloud-seeding operations, which he said would also allow for La Mesa Dam to be filled.
Over the weekend, water level at the dam reached its lowest in 12 years, at 68.9 meters.