Honduras implements cloud seeding to combat drought

Honduras is implementing cloud seeding technology to combat drought, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) reporting a 100 percent effectiveness rate when atmospheric conditions are optimal. Moisés Molina, the SAG minister, clarified that the process does not create clouds from scratch but rather stimulates existing cloud masses to induce precipitation.

A specialized aircraft is currently stationed at the Honduran Air Force hangars in Tegucigalpa. Flights will be conducted based on satellite monitoring and data from the Center for Atmospheric, Oceanographic, and Seismic Studies (Cenaos) to ensure the environment is suitable for stimulation. Once the clouds are seeded, rainfall typically occurs within 15 to 30 minutes.

The initial operation targets an area of approximately 1.8 million hectares, prioritizing the Dry Corridor and river zones that supply Tegucigalpa’s dams. Authorities are also considering expanding the operation to include the Alto Aguán region, which would increase the total coverage to roughly 2.3 million hectares.