Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s Department of DisasterPrevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said the country is facing drought afteremergency measures were ordered in 54 districts of 11 provinces.
Monton Sudprasert, director-general of the department, told the local media thatthe drought has been declared in Chiang Rai, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Maha Sarakham,Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Buri Ram, Kalasin, Kanchanaburi, Chachoengsao andPhetchabun. The drought in 54 districts spans 314 tambons and almost 3,000villages.
He said the department hasordered local officials to provide people in the affected areas with watertrucks while soldiers will be enlisted to help carry water to locals who needit.
The agency has asked provincial administrations to survey water resources andestimate how whether provisions will be sufficient for each village, both interms of personal consumption and agricultural use. The local authorities werealso urged to designate areas where water will be dispensed, he said.
The DDPM data shows that water levels in reservoirsin nine provinces namely Chiang Mai, Uthai Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, NakhonRatchasima, Buri Ram, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri and Chachoengsao have fallen toless than 30 percent of their total combined capacity./.
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