A Philippines government official announced on Tuesday that the nation is exploring cloud seeding as a strategy to mitigate the severe drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon, which has left nearly 2.9 million people grappling with water shortages.
Joey Villarama, spokesperson for Task Force El Niño, revealed that 131 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity in response to the devastating impacts of El Niño. This declaration allows local governments to access calamity funds designated for mitigation and rehabilitation efforts.
\"The majority of the affected areas are experiencing prolonged drought conditions,\" Villarama stated. The seven provinces most impacted are located across the central and southern regions of the Philippines. These areas are facing significant water scarcity, affecting agriculture, livelihoods, and daily life.
Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique, involves dispersing substances into the atmosphere to encourage cloud formation and precipitation. The government hopes this method can provide much-needed relief and restore water levels in the affected regions.
As the Philippines navigates this challenging period, officials emphasize the importance of sustainable water management and preparedness to address future climate-related threats.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
