SHAH ALAM, Sept 24 — Cloud seeding operations will be considered in Selangor if water levels at the state’s dams fall below 60 per cent, amid the Super El Nino phenomenon expected to begin in November.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said water levels at the seven dams remain stable despite some declines, with five currently recording capacities of more than 70 per cent.
“This year, we were informed that the global phenomenon, Super El Nino, will bring heat and affect the Pacific Ocean, causing dry and hot weather and, in some places, extreme rainfall.
“So, we will monitor our seven dams. Five have shown significant declines but they are not critical yet. If we find signs of a continuous decline, we will take the necessary measures, including cloud seeding in upstream areas.
“This measure will be taken when water levels fall below 60 per cent,” he told Media Selangor, adding that cloud seeding operations are challenging due to other factors such as wind conditions.
Izham said although several areas received rain over the past few days, the rainfall did not extend to the upstream areas where the dams are located.
He added that the Langat Dam remains the only one with a water level exceeding 90 per cent.
“However, we will continue to monitor the situation so that immediate measures can be taken if necessary,” he said.
On September 9, the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said the Super El Nino phenomenon, expected to begin towards the end of this year, could bring extreme hot and dry weather, with some areas potentially recording temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius between January and May next year.
The department said the probability of the phenomenon occurring was approaching 100 per cent, based on climate model forecasts from international observation and research centres.
The phenomenon could also result in northern and inland areas of the peninsula, as well as the interior of Sabah and Sarawak, experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures and facing increased risks of hot weather and heatwaves from the end of the Northeast Monsoon.
MetMalaysia also warned of a heightened risk of forest fires and haze due to hotter and drier conditions.
