6 districts in Chiang Mai declared as drought zones

169 villages in 6 districts of Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) Province have been declared drought zones.

Chief of Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. Prachon Pradsakul (ประจญ ปรัชญ์สกุล), said that the six districts include Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม), Chom Thong (จอมทอง), Chai Prakarn (ไชยปราการ), Hod (ฮอด), Wiang Haeng (เวียงแหง), and Hangdon (หางดง). Over 18,000 local residents have complained about problems inflicted upon the residents as a result of the severe drought situation. Each district has been allocated one-million baht budget as the primary assistance.

Officers primarily distributed water to local resident in the district. As for long-term measures, villagers have been suggested to construct temporary dykes to restore water. Local farmers living outside the area of irrigation should grow tropical plants.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 March 2007

Hangdong is definitely in a drought situation. All our water was taken by that farce of a flower festival.

And whatever's left we'll take for Songkran.