PAPAR: Despite a successful cloud seeding operation yesterday evening, Papar still recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API).
Papar disaster management committee chairman, Mohd Fuad Abdullah, said API readings reached 151 to 200 in the Kimanis area the day before.
As of 8am today, the API reading stands at 158.
He added that between 1.30 pm on March 28 and 1.30 pm yesterday, the Papar Fire and Rescue Department received eight emergency calls involving an area of 17ha affected by fire.
Bush fires occurred in Kg Andus, Kg Pengalat Besar, Kg Sulim Kinarut, Kg Baun, and forest fires in Kg Seberang Benoni.
This was followed by two more cases of recurring fires in Kg Sumbiling, Kg Andus, and Kg Baun.
"Today (March 29), the TUDM C-130 Hercules aircraft departed at 10.25 am and commenced cloud seeding from 11.05am to 1.05pm, completing fully at 1.56pm. By 4.00pm, Papar recorded 4.0mm of rain with a success rate of 67 per cent.
"Following the success of the cloud seeding operation (CSO) yesterday evening, the API in Kimanis has slightly decreased to 175 as of 9.00pm last night but still remains at unhealthy levels.
"Therefore, to increase public awareness of the dangers of open burning during the dry spell, the Sabah State Information Department, particularly the Papar District Information Office, is conducting an Info On Wheels (IOW) at three locations; Kg Belud Kota Kawang, Kg. Lama Kawang, Kg. Tanaki, and Kg. Marahang," he said in a statement yesterday.
Mohd Fuad also said that cloud seeding operations had been conducted in catchment areas in Lahad Datu and Tawau to increase river water levels.
Since early this month, Papar has activated the disaster management committee as about 150,000 people are affected by the water woes. - NST
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