Air Force ready for cloud-seeding to address El Niño impact

MANILA, Philippines - The Air Force is ready to conduct cloud-seeding operations to mitigate the impact of El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to last until next year.

Air Force spokesman Col. Enrico Canaya said their LC-210 rainmaking aircraft is available in case government agencies order them to do the cloud-seeding.

“We always make ourselves available. We have a long experience working with the Bureau of Soils (and Water Management),” Canaya said.

“With regard to cloud-seeding, we have that capability in case there is a need to do it,” he added.

Canaya said the LC-210 has been used for cloud-seeding operations.

“Recently, we did a mission over Pantabangan Dam and Angat Dam. We had several sorties for rain-making when the water level of the dams supplying water to Metro Manila went down,” he said.

Canaya noted that the Bureau of Soils and Water Management is also tapping private aircraft for the rainmaking efforts. He admitted that for now, only the LC-210 can be used for cloud-seeding.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) previously said the dry spell may intensify until the last quarter and may last until early next year.

At least 79 provinces are expected to feel the impact of the weather condition, according to Science Secretary Mario Montejo.

The government has crafted a road map to address the effects of El Niño, which is affecting agriculture and water supply in the country. Officials have given assurance that agencies are prepared to address the effects of the phenomenon.

President Aquino has formed clusters that would deal with the effects of El Niño on different sectors.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan was tasked to lead the Food Security Council which aims to assist farmers to be affected by the dry spell.

The council consists of Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Statistics Authority and the PAGASA.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson will lead the cluster that will ensure adequate water supply. The group will consist of representatives from the Local Water Utilities Administration, National Water Resource Board, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and the National Irrigation Administration.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has been instructed to work with its local councils in implementing community-based water conservation and other mitigation programs.