Boosting Rainfall in Strategic Areas

Faced with declining water levels supplying hydroelectric power plants, Jirama announced the launch of cloud seeding operations starting Thursday.

This initiative aims to boost rainfall in strategic areas to improve the water resources needed for electricity production.

According to officials at the national water and electricity company, this operation is part of emergency measures designed to mitigate the effects of drought and reduce disruptions to the electricity supply. The targeted regions are primarily those containing the main dams and watersheds that feed the national power grid.

Cloud seeding involves seeding clouds with specific substances to promote condensation and increase the likelihood of rainfall. This method is regularly used in several countries facing rainfall deficits or increased water resource needs.

In Madagascar, the low rainfall recorded in recent months has led to a decrease in reservoir levels, affecting the production capacity of hydroelectric power plants. This situation has contributed to the worsening power outages observed in several parts of the country, particularly in major urban centers.

Jirama hopes that these operations will gradually improve dam filling and support energy production. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions to assess the effectiveness of this intervention.

However, experts emphasize that artificially induced rainfall is not a sustainable solution to the country’s energy challenges. It must be accompanied by investments in production infrastructure, diversification of energy sources, and improved water resource management.

While awaiting the results of this operation, the population remains vigilant for any improvement in the electricity supply, as power outages continue to impact economic activity and the daily lives of households.