Madagascar is currently suffering from a pluviometric deficit leading to a shortage of drinking water in several regions of the country and not just in the south where famine is widespread. While the rainy season should be in full swing, the meteorology department decided last week to start “artificial rain” to allow the springs to be regenerated. The first resort to benefit from it was Fianarantsoa in the highlands.
as reported from Antananarivo, Laure Verneau
We have to sow the clouds to affect precipitation, but many conditions are required, explains Stéphason Kotomangazafy, Head of Applied Meteorology in Madagascar: “First of all, we need suitable clouds and we continue to provoke. It is the creation of what is meant by “condensation nucleus”, that is, a particle that accelerates the formation of water droplets. And after the formation of water droplets there is precipitation. “
Ten million ariarys
For each operation due to the plane, it takes 10 million ariarys, supported by various relevant ministries. In addition to the cost, precipitation remains random and must be done several times.
A last resort for Stéphason Kotomangazafy: “The first operation leads to the enrichment of the humidity in the atmosphere and the second operation leads to the first decrease in precipitation. And so on for the third and fourth, why not the fifth, and after all, the source is returned. “
For the capital as well
The next artificial rain will take place on 6, 7, 8 December in the south and another one is planned for December for the capital.
► Also read: Madagascar: the population of the extreme southern victims of drought and food insecurity
.
