RP to seed clouds to offset dry spell

RP to seed clouds to offset dry spell

MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government will carry out cloud- seeding operations above four major dams later this year to offset an expected dry spell, an official said yesterday.

Rogelio Concepcion, director of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management said cloud seeding would be carried out between October and December.

He admitted the seeding was a "very expensive exercise", costing two million pesos (US$70,000) each time, with salt being released in the clouds by a DC-3 plane in order to induce rains.

The rains are intended to counter the effects of El Nino, a periodic warming of the ocean which can result in atmospheric disturbances such as extended dry spells.

Meteorologists have warned that another El Nino is coming and that its effects will be felt in the Philippines for 18 months from October.