The state of Sinaloa faces a recurring problem: drought. Given the concern over the water shortage and its impact on agricultural and livestock activities, the authorities have decided to invest in a cloud bombing program which seeks to increase rainfall in the most needy areas, mainly in dam basins.
The strategy is not new in the state, but it's gaining prominence again this year due to critical reservoir levels. The goal is to induce controlled rainfall, using atmospheric stimulation methods, in the hope of contributing to the recovery of water resources.
How does cloud bombing work in Sinaloa?
The plan is to carry out flights over the areas surrounding the state's main dams. During these runs, particles—such as hygroscopic nuclei generated by flares—are dispersed, acting as agents to cause water condensation in the clouds, thus promoting rain where it's needed.
According to official sources, 40 flights are planned specifically about regions where the most important reservoirs in Sinaloa are located. To define when and where to fly, information provided by the weather radar of the National Meteorological Service located in Guasave. This ensures that missions are carried out only when cloud cover presents ideal humidity conditions.
Budget, bidding and program controls
The program has a budget that varies according to the sources consulted, ranging between 4,8 and 12 million pesosThe cost of each flight is around 103 pesos. The contracting process for the services was carried out through a public tender, the details of which have been made public to ensure transparency.
The company selected for the execution has the obligation to issue monthly reports that include detailed information on each flight: distance traveled, prey flown over, and type of flares used.
Authorities insist that there is no fixed number of flights guaranteed, as they depend on suitable atmospheric conditions. Therefore, technical monitoring before and during the bombing is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the program.
Objectives and expectations in the face of drought
The central purpose The purpose of this strategy is to encourage rainfall in the vicinity of dams to promote water recharge, a key element in supplying the local countryside and livestock. Authorities emphasize that the intervention seeks to alleviate the water crisis, although they admit that the results depend largely on climatic phenomena.
In previous years, the same mechanism failed to fully reverse low water storage levels despite being implemented during the Mexican Monsoon. However, the experience gained is expected to improve results in the current edition of the program.
The Government of Sinaloa will continue to monitor and adapt the strategy based on the results obtained and the weather conditions that occur throughout the season.
By implementing this tactic, Sinaloa once again demonstrates its commitment to finding solutions to the challenge of drought. Cloud bombing represents a coordinated effort among various agencies, with a focus on technical oversight, use of technology, and financial transparency. The program's continued effectiveness will depend on future climate conditions.
