Penang seeks Nadma’s help for cloud seeding

Going down: The water level at the Air Itam dam has dropped and is a cause for concern for Penangites. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Penang is seeking assistance from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to help carry out cloud seeding operations to avoid a potential water crisis here.

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said Nadma’s aid was needed to induce rainfall in the Ayer Itam and Teluk Bahang dams on Penang island. As of yesterday, the effective capacities of both dams were 49% and 50.7% respectively, a significant drop compared to 82.5% and 64% recorded on Jan 1 this year.