Storm Vicente Eases Water Crisis In Phuket

[george]

Tropical depression Vicente eases water crisis in Phuket

PHUKET: -- The recent storms associated with tropical depression Vicente have relieved the water shortage on Phuket island -- after water levels in the provincial reservoirs had fallen to alarmingly low levels.

A water management official said that torrential rains from the storm increased the water volume in reservoirs by over 500,000 cubic metres, making a welcome change to help reduce the water crisis in Phuket.

Issara Anukul, head of water management in the Phuket provincial irrigation project said that with the increased volume of water, the provincial waterworks authority is again able to produce drinking

water for local residents on the tourist island of Phuket for over a month.

Earlier, according to Mr. Issara, the provincial reservoir water reserves were virtually empty, inadequate to continue providing potable water to local residents.

--TNA 2005-09-22