Thailand expects worst drought in 10 years

The rainfall in Thailand so far remains well below average and that is very worrying. Deputy Director General Kornrawee of the Meteorological Department said the North, Northeast and the Central area will be particularly affected. These regions are precisely the most important for the rice east.

The seasonal storms are less powerful than in previous years. Farmers will therefore have to wait until the end of August or the beginning of September for heavy rain.

The water level in the large reservoirs is also a cause for concern. In the North it stands at 38 percent, in the Northeast at 33 percent, in the Central part at 22 percent and in the East at 35 percent. Things are going better in the South: the water level there is at 60 percent. In Nakhon Ratchasima, four medium-sized reservoirs have completely dried up.

Some affected provinces have already taken measures to tackle the water scarcity. Buri Ram has plans to pump water from an abandoned mine for consumption.

The drought is expected to hit 105 districts of 12 provinces. They are Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Kalasin, Yasothon, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Source: Bangkok Post