Due to the imminent threat of the El Niño phenomenon, the Municipal Government of Solsona headed by Hon. Joseph E. de Lara and Hon. Vice Mayor Jonathan Luz de Lara seeks cloud seeding operations to mitigate drought risks in a meeting held today at Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Laoag City.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Ilocos reports that clouds in the area are suitable for seeding. However, the prevailing cloud direction, which is Northeast, may divert rain away from Solsona. Weather forecasts indicate that cloud seeding operations could trigger lightning and thunder. As a result, Cloud seeding is not yet possible at this moment due to the weather forecasts. While awaiting favorable circumstances, Solsona is stockpiling materials such as salt for the seeding process.
Local farmers express concern over the possible impact of El Niño on their crops and livelihoods. In the meantime, the municipality continues water rationing across barangays and schools in Solsona as a temporary measure to conserve water resources amidst the dry conditions.
The meeting was attended by PDRRMO Marcell Tabije, Chief Meteorogical Officer of PAGASA-DOST Ilocos Engr. Cynthia Iglesia, PAF Sgt. Joas Ralph Dimapilis, FSUPT Roxanne Parado, PENRO Victor Dabalis, Ma. Teresa Bacnat (PAO), Engr. Chonito Baldni (PAO), Hon. Vice Mayor Jonathan Luz de Lara, SBM Hon. Benigno Aquino, PCPT Randy Damo, SF03 Venner Adina and Secretary to the Sanggunian Mrs. Laurence T. Corpuz. (Rod Sadian)
(Source: LGU Solsona, Ilocos Norte)