Record temperatures were recorded in June and July, which worsens the situation. According to Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, the year was the worst in terms of rainfall since 1900.
Maria Panayiotou spoke about the government’s plan to combat drought. The plan includes projects worth one billion euros aimed at improving water supply. “At the moment, water needs are covered by 100% due to desalination and the volumes that we have in dams. Irrigation has decreased by 33% on average,” Panayiotou said.
From September 1 to 3, Cyprus will preside over the summit of nine Mediterranean States. The purpose of the summit is to make concrete decisions to combat drought. “Our goal is to create a common framework of actions and solutions so that all nine Mediterranean countries that face common problems can coordinate actions and cooperation in this area,” the minister added.
Maria Panayiotou assured that Cyprus is ready for an increase in the number of fires, and is already strengthening the aerial firefighting sector. “At the moment, in Cyprus, taking into account lease agreements and interstate agreements, there are 11 main firefighting aircraft and 6 additional ones. Cyprus should purchase at least 10 more aircraft to fight the fire,” she said.
As part of environmental initiatives, 100,000 trees are planned to be planted throughout the island, including urban centers and forested areas. The green roofs program will go into a pilot phase in order to reduce the temperature inside buildings.
A source: omegalive.com.cy
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/kipru-perezhivaet-samoe-zasushlivoe-leto
Meanwhile, in the arid and desert regions of China, anti-aircraft guns are used to sow clouds with special reagents (in the video). Instead of conventional ammunition, these guns are loaded with chemical mixtures, primarily silver iodide, which cause more intense rain from the clouds.
The technology is proven, still Soviet, effective and environmentally friendly. One of several in China’s comprehensive drought management program.
