Severe Drought Crisis Affects Northeast Thailand

[snoop1130]

 

Northeast Thailand is going through a severe drought, with major dams holding less than half of their capacity. The situation is particularly dire in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, where intense heat and a predicted lack of rainfall are affecting farming and daily water use.

 

Farmers in the Kham Thale So District of Nakhon Ratchasima are continuing to grow rice despite the water shortage. Using water pumps from the Lam Takhong Dam’s canal, they are able to keep their crops alive. They are hoping for rain in the next couple of months, but recognize the chance of losing their crops if the rain doesn't come.

 

Although the Nakhon Ratchasima Irrigation Project advised against growing rice due to the Lam Takhong Dam’s water level dropping to just 32%, farmers continue due to existing water reserves. As a result, the project has had to stop distributing water for farming purposes to ensure enough water for household needs.

 

Eighty communities that depend on water from the Lam Takhong Dam for household use are feeling the pinch as water levels continue to drop. For example, in the Pong Daeng Sub-district of Kham Thale So District, the water supply for two villages is only enough for a month's use. This situation is made worse by locals excessively pumping water for rice farming, further reducing water availability.

 

In all of Nakhon Ratchasima’s 27 reservoirs, there is only 474 million cubic meters of water remaining, just 39% of the total 1.216 billion cubic meter capacity. Consequently, water management now focuses on saving water for household use. The Provincial Governor has asked all 32 districts to find alternative water sources for communities, such as natural water sources and wells.

 

Rain is forecasted for mid-May, although it may be less than average. The public is advised to save water. A survey of the five major dams in the area, including Ubol Ratana, Lam Phao, Sirindhorn, Nam Un, and Lam Takhong, shows they are all below 50% capacity. This is a cause for concern among locals, especially farmers who need water for their crops. Even so, it is hoped the rainy season will refill the dams to ensure enough water for the future.

 

Photo courtesy of Thai News Agency

 

-- 2024-05-08

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[Tropicalevo]

There is a drought over most of Thailand except Bangkok.

They always have water.

Oh - that is where most of the politicians and hi-so's live.

Strange that.

[mfd101]

So, sensible provincial management - not to mention sensible farmers - would be planning their future on the basis of a permanent move out of rice crops.

 

And pigs might fly.

[Expat68]

This week the rains have arrived in NE Thailand!! At this moment it is absolutely pissing down

[loong]

41 minutes ago, Expat68 said:

This week the rains have arrived in NE Thailand!! At this moment it is absolutely pissing down

Maybe where you are.
Had very little rain here in Khon Kaen.

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, mfd101 said:

So, sensible provincial management - not to mention sensible farmers - would be planning their future on the basis of a permanent move out of rice crops.

 

And pigs might fly.

Farmers not growing water dependent rice crops.... yeah gods perish the thought.

[hotchilli]

29 minutes ago, loong said:

Maybe where you are.
Had very little rain here in Khon Kaen.

Zero rain here in nakhon pathom west of Bangkok.

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, Expat68 said:

This week the rains have arrived in NE Thailand!! At this moment it is absolutely pissing down

Lucky bugger

[Chassa]

Same every year, the rainy season is not in full-swing at the moment. Must send the rockets soon!

[soalbundy]

45 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Farmers not growing water dependent rice crops.... yeah gods perish the thought.

There would have to be the market infrastructure to sell a different crop first, its in place to sell rice in bulk but nothing else. It would be unwise to start a new crop of something and then at harvest time ask, 'Who do I sell it to". Local government and the business community  have to provide this years in advance. Some new ventures would take years before any profit could be made, eg. rubber trees, fruit trees etc. I can't think of any Asian crop that doesn't need a fair amount of water.

[newbee2022]

Is it so astonishing new that we face a climate change? And is it so surprising that we suffering from lack of water? 

What did govts do do challenge the change?

New water reservoirs? New agriculture plans to save water? New plants which need less water to grow? (More solar energy?)

It's almost too late. But even more we'll see no progress 🙏