12 provinces undergoing severe drought

ANGKOK, 12 June 2010 (NNT) – At least 12 provinces across the country are facing severe drought while the amount of water stored in reservoirs nationwide is estimated at 32.9 billion cubic meters, lower than last year.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) yesterday reported that the total amount of water reserved in major dams around the country accounted for 47% of the total capacity or around 32.9 billion cubic meters. The quantity is less than that of last year by 6 billion cubic meters.

At present, there are 12 provinces in the northern and northeastern regions undergoing serious drought situations; they are Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Lampang, Lamphun, Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Maha Sarakham, Yasothon, Roi Et, and Si Sa Ket.

Over 60 provinces in Thailand earlier encountered severe dryness in mid-April. The problem has been continuously attended by the government, the private sector, and concerned agencies. The DDPM has also been monitoring the situation and providing aid to drought-stricken residents to alleviate the crisis.