BANGKOK, 23 September 2015 – The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has stepped up its rain-enhancement operations as the low rainfalls in this rainy season have sparked fears of severe drought.
The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has mobilized 18 aircraft to carry out cloud-seeding missions, as a monsoon trough which is forecast to reach the country in the next few weeks will bring on enough humidity for the rain-making operations.
A latest aerial survey showed that water reserves in the four main dams, namely Bhumibol Dam, Sirikit Dam, Pasak Jolasid Dam and Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan Dam were still low compared to previous years’. With only four weeks before the end of the rainy season, there is speculation that the country will experience a lengthy drought next year.
Farmers have been urged to forego off-season rice farming or other water-guzzling crops and store as much rain water as possible to ease the effect of the upcoming dry season. People are advised to conserve water as well.
The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation is prepared to increase the number of rain-making operation centers from nine to 13 across the country, starting next year.
