37 Provinces To Be Hit By Drought This Year

[Jai Dee]

37 provinces to be hit by drought this year

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment reveals that 37 provinces will be hit by drought this year. Residents are strongly suggested to consume water economically.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Kasem Sanidwongse Na Ayutthaya (เกษม สนิทวงศ์ ณ อยุธยา) revealed that according to rain fall statistics and information about this year's water situation, 37 provinces are susceptible to drought. 11 of which are in the North region, including Uthai Thani, Nan, Lumpang, Phrae, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Phichit, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, and Sukhothai.

Nine provinces in the Middle region expected to be affected by drought include Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, Ang Thong, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Trat, and Suphan Buri. Two provinces in the Southern region include Chunphorn and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Fifteen provinces in the Northeastern region include Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, Kalasin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Sakon Nakhon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Yasothon, Udon Thani, and Mukdahan.

The ministry has cooperated with relevant units to prevent and alleviate drought in such provinces. It has suggested rice farmers to grow off-season rice in line with the amount of water in reservoirs in their areas. It will also conduct artificial rains for them. Moreover, more check dams and underground water ponds will be constructed. The authority will also restore water resources, improve tap water systems, and distribute water supply to those living in drought-prone areas.

Mr Kasem added that he had instructed the Department of Water Resources, Department of Groundwater Resources, and National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department to deploy integrated solutions to deal with the drought situation.

Not only residents are suggested to use water economically, they should also avoid polluting water resources and get rid of water weeds. According to Mr Kasem, water weeds is the main cause that accelerates evaporation process of water resources.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Labor support center in Lampang

The province of Lampang has opened a center to help people and laborers in drought areas in 138 villages.

Lampang deputy governor Charoensuk Chumsri disclosed that drought has hit many areas of the province, hampering the social and economic sectors. As a result, the province has set up a center to help laborers who have been affected by natural disasters, and the center is now helping those in drought areas by providing new job opportunities and career trainings. The center is coordinating with various agencies such as the Skill Development Institute of Lampang, the Employment Office, and the Social Security Office. Officials will be dispatched throughout 138 villages in 15 tambon of Lampang to help the laborers who are underpaid, and they will also provide them with employment information.

The center will also provide employment consultancies and prevent laborers from being taken advantages. They would be informed about job opportunities in foreign countries and other regions of Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[hammered]

What amazes me is that only a few months ago every resevoir in the country was like 97.3% full and about to burst its banks. Then a few months later we are seeing drought already. I may not be an expert on this subject but to me that smacks of poor water management and poor national planning.

Hopefully someone can put right on what must be an incorrect assumption of mine.

[solent01]

Not so different from any other year. TiT

[KireB]

Just an excuse for higher water bills.

[Jai Dee]

Buriram has declared 10 districts to be drought-hit

Buriram province has declared 10 of its districts as drought-hit areas. The disaster has affected 187,174 people, 38,000 households, and 2,718 rai of farmland.

Buriram Governor Kongkiart Akraprasertkul said the declaration will help the province to allocate a budget to help the local people. The provincial officials have distributed 1.5 million liters of water to the troubled residents.

Mr. Kongkiart has issued an order for the officials in 21 districts and 21 sub-districts in Buriram to watch the drought situation closely.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Drought mitigation center set up in Tak

Tak Provincial Administration Organization has launched a center responsible for helping the drought victims. The center will provide drinking water to the areas without sufficient water supply.

The chairman of Tak Provincial Administration Organization, Mr. Chingchai Korprapakit, said dry season in his province will last from this month to May this year, and a number of people as well as animals will likely encounter water shortage. Last year, 50,000 households did not have enough water during the drought period.

Villages in Tak that lack enough water can contact the administrative officials at 055-512356 during working hours.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Lampang opens center for assisting drought-affected people with labor service

Lampang province has opened a center for assisting drought-affected people, and is assembling units from all related agencies to provide labor service for residents.

Deputy provincial governor of Lampang province, Mr. Charoensuk Chumsri (เจริญสุข ชุมศรี), said drought has occured in many areas in the province and greatly compromised the economy and the living quality of residents. He said that thus a provincial center for providing labour assistance to those affected by natural disasters has been set up. The Labour office, Employment office and the Skill Development institute in the province are collaborating to send mobile labour-providing units into every districts. This year's target is to service 138 villages in 15 tambons where drought is rampant and residents earn less than standard income.

Mr. Charoensuk indicated that currently labour migration and movement are being monitored, with monitoring points having been set up at bus and train stations while public relations efforts are made to provide employment information for people leaving their areas so as to prevent them from being taken advantage of.

Lampang residents who are drought affected and needs labour assistance can contact the provincial assistance center at 054-265058-9.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Interior Minister instructs all provinces to set up drought center

The Deputy Minister of Interior has urged all provinces to establish a drought prevention and mitigation center.

Deputy Minister of Interior Banyat Jansenah (บัญญัติ จันทน์เสนะ), revealed that many areas in the southern region are experiencing droughts, with water shortages have been reported for consumption, utility, and agriculture. Mr. Banyat said that the Ministry of Interior, in its capacity as the Civil Defence Division of the Kingdom of Thailand, has instructed all provinces, distrits, and subdistricts to establish a drought prevention and mitigation center in order to assist local residents in preparations and intervention for drought incidents.

Village and community records would be drafted to assess risk prone areas. Official will also work on surveying water sources, digging canals, and providing water containers for residents.

The Deputy Minister of Interior added that legislature for aid funding from the Ministry of Finance has been drafted since 2003, and would allow for 50 million baht to be allocated to the governor's office.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 February 2007