Iran begins cloud seeding as drought intensifies

Iran has started chemical cloud seeding to boost rainfall amid a severe drought, the BBC reported.

Officials said reagents such as silver or potassium iodide were dispersed over the basin of Lake Urmia on Saturday. Large parts of the lake have dried up in recent years, leaving behind salt flats.

IRNA said the operations will continue in West and East Azerbaijan provinces adjacent to Lake Urmia.

According to Iran’s Meteorological Organization, nationwide rainfall this year is 89% below the long-term average.

N.Tebrizli