KUCHING: Rain began falling across parts of Kuching at around 4:00 pm today (Sept. 4), bringing some welcome relief after days of hot, dry and hazy conditions.
The afternoon downpour came amid cloud-seeding efforts being carried out in Sarawak as authorities seek to induce rainfall during the prolonged dry spell.
Cloud-seeding operations have been undertaken to encourage rainfall, particularly over water catchment areas, amid concerns over declining water levels following weeks of dry weather.
The rain was welcomed in Kuching, which has been grappling with hazy conditions caused by smoke from forest and peatland fires in neighbouring Kalimantan.
Several areas in Sarawak have recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in recent days, while the persistent haze has also led to the postponement of outdoor activities and raised health concerns.
While the afternoon rain offered some respite from the heat and haze, sustained rainfall would be needed to help improve conditions, particularly if transboundary smoke continues to be carried into Sarawak.
