Authorities launch anti-hail season; rocket supplies may be topped up in June
The hail protection season has started in the Republic of Moldova. This year, a total of 2,153 rockets have been prepared for launch at 132 points across the country. Authorities indicate that the stockpile may be increased during the summer months, particularly in June, which is typically marked by atmospheric instability and heavy rainfall based on past experience.
The protection of agricultural lands against hail is currently implemented solely through a network of anti-hail missile launch stations. Each station is equipped with an average of 16 missiles, which include both short-range and long-range options.
The launch unit in Calarasi oversees a network of 22 anti-hail points, each covering a radius of 10,000 hectares. This system provides protection for agricultural lands not only in the Calarasi district but also in the surrounding districts of Straseni, Nisporeni, Telenesti, Orhei, and Hancesti.
"Cadet 7, receive the order. Azimuth and three large missiles. Did you understand, Cadet 7? Cadet 7 understood the launch command for the missiles."
Each special unit in the territory is responsible for announcing the threat of hailstorms. The employees of the special units within the Anti-Hail Service work continuously from April 15 until September 30, which marks the end of the season.
"Our work involves constant surveillance of the clouds. If necessary, we transition to operational intervention. We monitor continuously to determine the speed and direction of the approaching storm. This preparation is crucial so that we can act promptly when the time comes", explains Ludmila Gavriliuc, commander of the Călărași Special Unit. "Last year, we experienced relatively few hailstorms, but we cannot predict this year’s situation yet; we will have to wait and see."
According to specialists, the devices can target ice nuclei at altitudes exceeding nine kilometers, providing effective protection for agricultural crops.
"Using rockets, we introduce a chemical reagent into the clouds. This process creates artificial crystallization nuclei that result in a larger number of smaller ice particles. By the time these particles reach the ground, they become small hail or rain," explains Ludmila Gavriliuc.
Currently, the Republic of Moldova is protected by a system that covers more than 1.6 million hectares of land. Within this protected area, there are over 132 anti-hail missile launch points. The protection zone spans 22 districts, the municipality of Bălți, and partially or completely includes the Gagauzia Autonomy.
