13 provinces seeking aid as drought bites
Thirteen provinces have requested aid amid a drought, which has caused damage to agriculture.
The provinces include Nan, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Maha Sarakham, Nong Khai, Buriram, Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi and Chachoengsao.
So far, about 1.63 million rai of farmland in 15 provinces have been affected by the drought.
About 32 per cent of water, or 5.63 billion cubic meters, have been used up since November 1, with 1.73 billion cubic meters from the Chao Phraya River zone.
Royal Irrigation Department (RID) deputy director-general Thaweesak Thana-dachophol said two big reservoirs, 12 medium reservoirs and 117 small reservoirs in Chiang Mai province have only 43 per cent of water left. This comes as rainfall there is expected to be 5-10 per cent less this year, while rain in Phitsanulok province has decreased by 30-35 per cent.
Regional Irrigation Office 6 director Saksiri Yoosuk said water in Ubolratana Dam in Khon Kaen and Chulabhorn Dam in Chaiyaphum are now only used for consumption and to maintain the ecosystem due to their low water volume.
The situation in Kalasin’s Lam Pao Dam remains normal, he added.
The RID is closely monitoring the situation and explaining it to the people so that they realise the importance of water resources.