Cloud seeding operations continue despite rains

MALOLOS, Philippines — Cloud seeding operations over Angat and La Mesa watersheds resumed yesterday as Tropical Storm Falcon left the Philippine area of responsibility, Mary Joy David, project development officer of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management of the Department of Agriculture, said.

Officials said the rains spawned by Falcon and the southwest monsoon were not enough to raise the water level in Angat Dam, the main source of potable water of Metro Manila residents.

The water level in Angat Dam slightly increased yesterday, but it is still not enough to surpass its critical level of 160 meters.

Monitoring by the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office showed that the water level rose to 158.36 meters at about 8 a.m. yesterday and 158.68 meters at about 11 a.m.

The water level was recorded at 158.30 meters on Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities said cloud seeding operations would continue over Angat Dam to help increase water suppy and prevent water interruption.

The National Water Resources Board is eyeing a minimum operating level of around 180 meters to bring water allocation to its normal amount of 46 cubic meters per second.