September 12, 2024, 10:37 AM
September 12, 2024, 10:37 AM
Santa Cruz opts for a new tactic to combat forest fires: the Cloud bombardment with silver iodide. The intervention seeks to generate rain on the most affected areas, such as Ascension of Guarayos and Concepción, where fires have caused severe damage and no rainfall has yet been recorded.
This Thursday, a C-130 Hercules took off from El Trompillo airport to carry out the operation.
Deputy Minister of Civil Defense Juan Carlos Calvimontes confirmed that weather conditions were favorable to stimulate two cloud formations in the area.
“The bombing is already underway“We hope that the rainfall will help put out the fire,” the authority said.
Rains bring hope to affected areas
As the cloud bombardment gets underway, some areas of Santa Cruz have already received rain. In San Ramón and San Javier, residents celebrated the arrival of rain on Thursday, after days of smoke and heat. “Blessed rain”exclaimed the inhabitants, who see in the rainfall an opportunity to breathe clean air and stop the advance of the flames.
Communities such as Las Petas, Cuatro Cañadas and Urubichá also reported rain, which gives hope to the areas most affected by the fires. In Las Petas, the sub-mayor Luzardo Ferreira described the downpour as “a blessing” that could control the active outbreaks in the region.
