Drought persists in 13 provinces

The Wang River, one of the tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, has almost dried up in Ban Wang Man, Sam Ngao district of Tak on Wednesday. The village is located downstream of the Bhumibol dam which is running low on water. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

Drought is persisting in 13 provinces as rain makes an appearance in the upper North and Northeast, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department chief Chatchai Promlert said on Sunday.

Earlier 40 provinces were reported as drought-hit. The situation in 27 provinces has eased because of the rain.

Photo gallery: Road collapse blamed on drought

Mr Chatchai said drought still prevails in 5,035 villages in 525 tambons in 90 districts of 13 provinces, or about 6.72% of all villages in the country.

The 13 provinces where drought still persists are: Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Tak, Nan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Ratchaburi and Sa Kaeo.

Relief measures which have been taken by the military and other agencies include distribution of water for consumption and agriculture to drought-hit areas, dredging of water resources, digging of artesian wells, rainmaking operations and selling of low-priced goods.

A Meteorological Department report issued on Sunday at 10am said a monsoon trough lies across Myanmar, Laos and upper Vietnam, declining to a low pressure cell in the Gulf of Tonkin which is causing rainfall in the upper North and Northeast.

The strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand with more rain over the western parts of the Central and South regions.

Waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are likely to be 2-3 metres high. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats stay ashore until July 11.



