Cloud seeding brings rain to areas in Negros Occ.
After more than two months of heavy cloud seeding over Negros Occ. skies, the efforts finally paid off.
Last February 20, a report reached the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of a one hour heavy rain that occurred in Brgy. Nabulao. Sipalay City, Southern, Negros.
Cloud Seeding in Charge Engr. Albert Barrogo confirmed that the rains were caused by the artificial method as on that day, there were good clouds to seed and the seeding was heavy.
The same report was relayed to the OPA, this time taking place at Brgy. Payao, Binalbagan also in the South of the province. Light to moderate showers have also been recorded in the Northern areas of Negros.
The aerial activity, that started last January of this year, has a goal of scientifically interfering in the cloud formation, filling the “seedable” clouds with a specially formulated salt to induce rain.
The wrath of El Niño Phenomenon is creating havoc in the province destroying crops, killing animals by the millions and intensifying diseases like measles and dengue all because of its intense heat that prevails over the province and in other areas of the country.
According to experts, El Niño is the most powerful phenomenon on earth that can alter the climate across more than half of the planet. They also theorize that it could be caused by the underwater volcanoes in the Pacific.
Barrogo said they are using Cessna plane to seed clouds in the areas of Canlandog and Don Salvador Benedicto with seven bags of salt each sortie.
The activity is only done when cloud formations are available and the plane is on rest when there are no good clouds to seed.
The provincial government of Negros Occ. is bent on defeating the phenomenon to save lives and livelihood.
Already, Negros Occ. Gov. Isidro Zayco directed the agriculture personnel and officials to focus their efforts on mitigation, monitoring and recoding of losses as all possible sources of funds are explored to sustain the efforts in fighting the erratic weather and provide relief to those affected.
He has also asked Local Chief Executive to make action plans and propose fund allocations to stem the tide El Niño brings.
With the help of the national government and determination of the people of Negros Occ. working as one, the local governance can control the damages that compound each week, and weather this different kind of “storm” in the next five months. (PIA-LOL)
