Iranian officials have initiated cloud seeding flights over the Urmia Lake basin as the nation confronts its most severe drought in half a century, according to state media reports. Meteorological authorities noted precipitation has declined approximately 89 percent compared with historical averages, marking the driest autumn period recorded in five decades. The operations involve dispersing silver iodide and salt particles into cloud formations from aircraft to stimulate rainfall.
Urmia Lake, once the largest body of water within Iranian borders, has transformed into an expansive salt flat because of sustained dry conditions. Additional seeding missions are planned for eastern and western Azerbaijan provinces. Meteorological data indicate half of the country's regions have received no measurable precipitation in recent months, while reservoir levels supplying numerous provinces have dropped to unprecedented lows.
President Masoud Pezeshkian recently cautioned that the capital could require evacuation without sufficient rainfall, though specific plans remain undisclosed. Several Gulf states have similarly deployed artificial rain generation techniques.
Urmia Lake, once the largest body of water within Iranian borders, has transformed into an expansive salt flat because of sustained dry conditions. Additional seeding missions are planned for eastern and western Azerbaijan provinces. Meteorological data indicate half of the country's regions have received no measurable precipitation in recent months, while reservoir levels supplying numerous provinces have dropped to unprecedented lows.
President Masoud Pezeshkian recently cautioned that the capital could require evacuation without sufficient rainfall, though specific plans remain undisclosed. Several Gulf states have similarly deployed artificial rain generation techniques.
