Cloud seeding in Penang to begin at end of month, says PBAPP

Water level at the Air Itam Dam currently stands at 44.8% and the Teluk Bahang Dam, at 48.6%. – File photo

GEORGE TOWN: Cloud seeding operations to induce rain and replenish two dams on the island will begin at the end of April, says the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).

The operations would be conducted with assistance from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) with targets being the water catchment areas of the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams.

"MetMalaysia has recommended the cloud seeding to be carried out from April 29 to May 7 for the first phase of operations where weather conditions should be ideal to maximise the impact," PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said on Tuesday (April 25).

He said the primary objective is to induce heavy rainfall over the water catchment areas of the two dams to refill them with as much raw water as possible.

The Air Itam Dam, which was at 82.5% capacity in January, currently stands at 44.8% and the Teluk Bahang Dam, which was at 64.0%, is now at 48.6%.

"The storage level of the Air Itam Dam diminished by a higher percentage since January because its maximum effective capacity is 2.16 billion litres as compared to Teluk Bahang with a maximum effective capacity of 18.24 billion litres," said Pathmanathan.

He said it will take a few days after the cloud seeding for the final rainfall to occur and for the water to flow into the dams.

"Depending on the outcome and circumstances, PBAPP might also request additional cloud seeding operations ro replenish the reserves of Penang dams," added Pathmanathan.