A California-based cloud-seeding company, Rainmaker, has become the focus of conspiracy theories following the recent deadly floods in Texas. The company was accused of causing the disaster after conducting cloud-seeding operations in the area. However, experts and scientists have refuted these claims, stating that Rainmaker’s activities could not have caused the floods.
Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to encourage rainfall. Rainmaker performed such an operation two days before the floods, releasing 70 grams of silver iodide about 125 miles from the flood site. Despite accusations, Rainmaker’s CEO, Augustus Doricko, explained that the amount of rain produced by cloud seeding is minimal compared to the massive rainfall that occurred during the flood. The company also halted operations after detecting increased moisture in the region.
The conspiracy theories gained traction online, with some public figures, including former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, amplifying the baseless claims. These theories have been debunked by experts like Victor Murphy, a retired meteorologist, who stated that there is no scientific evidence linking cloud seeding to the floods. The storm, which caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly, was fueled by high atmospheric water levels from a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about weather modification and geoengineering. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched resources to address public concerns about these practices. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is working to counter misinformation without alienating its political base, as reported by Axios.
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