The successful creation of artificial rainfall has helped control a forest fire in southwest China, where an earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale occurred in mid-February.
The fire broke out on February 25 in Yajiang County in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province.
The artificial rainfall was created Friday night, when the weather was favorable, and the resulting downpour helped prevent the fire from spreading.
However, the fire has not been completely put out, and flames can still be spotted in some places, according to Wu Dinghong, a local forestry official.
Another attempt to create artificial rain is expected if the weather permits, sources said.
(People's Daily 03/04/2001)
