Iran launches cloud seeding flights to combat worst drought in 50 years, with rainfall down 89% and water reservoirs at record lows
TEHRAN: Iran has launched cloud seeding operations to combat its most severe drought in decades.
Authorities conducted the first cloud seeding flight in the current water year over the Urmia Lake basin in northwest Iran.
Urmia Lake, Iran’s largest lake, has largely dried out and transformed into a vast salt bed due to prolonged drought conditions.
Further cloud seeding operations are planned for East and West Azerbaijan provinces.
The technique involves spraying particles like silver iodide and salt into clouds from aircraft to stimulate rainfall.
Iran developed its own cloud seeding technology last year, according to state media reports.
Recent rainfall was reported in western provinces including Ilam, Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and Lorestan, plus West Azerbaijan province.
The country’s meteorological organisation stated rainfall has decreased by approximately 89% this year compared to long-term averages.
“We are currently experiencing the driest autumn the country has experienced in 50 years,” the organisation added.
State media showed footage of the first snowfall this year on Tochal mountain and ski resort near Tehran.
Iran, predominantly arid, has endured chronic dry spells and heat waves expected to intensify with climate change.
Tehran’s rainfall has reached its lowest level in a century, according to local officials.
Half of Iran’s provinces have received no rainfall for months.
Water levels in reservoirs supplying many provinces have dropped to record lows.
President Masoud Pezeshkian recently warned that Tehran could face evacuation without rain before winter.
Other regional countries including the United Arab Emirates also employ cloud seeding technology to generate artificial rainfall. – AFP
