Cloud seeding operations carried out since July 21 in some areas in Sarawak due to the prolonged drought, have given relief to the residents around the affected areas, when rain began to fall.

The cloud seeding operations which ended today were carried out by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) in Sarawak, with help from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak, and Kuching Water Board (KWB).

Sarawak MMD director Loh Eng Kee in his briefing to the media before the last operation in Kuching today, said the cloud seeding operations conducted duringthe nine days were considered successful, although there were some areas where they did not manage to bring rain.

He said cloud seeding was done around Sri Aman, Simunjan, Serian, Air Serapi, Balingian, Asajaya and Bintulu.

He said the operation in Simunjang was somewhat less successful, because the clouds were less dense, in addition to the low water levels in water catchment areas there.

However, according to Loh, the situation has improved with rain almost every day across the state, in addition to the increase in water levels at water catchment areas, especially in Kuching.

- Bernama