Authorities in Iran have initiated cloud-seeding operations to induce precipitation, addressing a significant reduction in rainfall across the country. This process involves spraying clouds with chemical agents to encourage rain formation.
On Saturday, cloud seeding was conducted over the Urmia lake basin, as reported by Iran's official news agency, Irna. Urmia, Iran's largest lake, has experienced substantial drying, resulting in extensive salt flats. Further operations are planned for the east and west Azerbaijan regions.
The country is currently experiencing significantly low rainfall and depleted reservoir levels. Water levels in Tehran's Amirkabir dam are reported at 8% of capacity. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated last week that continued lack of precipitation could lead to water rationing in Tehran and potential evacuations from the capital.
Cloud seeding is a technique involving the injection of chemical salts, such as silver iodide or potassium iodide, into clouds. These chemicals can be dispersed via aircraft or ground-based generators. Their presence facilitates the condensation of water vapor, promoting rainfall. This method has been utilized for decades, with countries like the UAE employing it to manage water shortages.
Iran's meteorological organization reported an approximate 89% decrease in rainfall this year compared to the long-term average. The organization also indicated that the current autumn season is the driest experienced in the country over the last 50 years.
In response to the water situation, officials have also announced intentions to implement penalties for households and businesses identified as consuming excessive amounts of water.