China Launches Chemicals into Sky to Create Clouds... Can 'Artificial Rain' Solve the Worst Drought?

On the 20th (local time), a resident is watering crops at a farm in the Chongqing area of southwestern China. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] China, suffering from severe drought, has started artificial rainmaking operations ahead of this fall's crop harvest.

On the 21st (local time), NBC News in the United States reported, citing China's state-run Global Times, that Chinese authorities announced measures to address the crop harvest crisis on the 19th.

According to the report, the authorities stated, "The next ten days are a critical period to prevent crop damage in southern China," and "We will ensure the harvest of autumn grains, which account for 75% of the annual yield."

They also said they would create artificial rainfall by seeding clouds to secure new water resources. Cloud seeding refers to chemicals that make the moisture in clouds heavier to artificially induce rain. The authorities explained, "We will increase rainfall by creating clouds with chemicals and spray water retainers on crops to limit evaporation."

This measure is interpreted as a response to the recent record-breaking heatwave and drought continuing in China. Since June, China has experienced a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for more than 70 days. The China Meteorological Administration stated that this is the hottest and driest weather since meteorological observations began in 1961.

Rainfall has also been about half of the usual level. As reservoir levels dropped, an emergency was declared for crop harvesting. Recently, in southern Sichuan Province, some factories highly dependent on hydropower suspended operations. This was due to increased cooling demand as temperatures rose to 45 degrees Celsius and reduced rainfall caused by drought, leading to power shortages. Additionally, a Buddha statue estimated to have been made 600 years ago was discovered on the bottom of the Yangtze River in Sichuan Province.