Drought coming, public urged to save water

BANGKOK: -- The Thai public is urged to conserve water in preparation for a drought which will occur this summer, a senior Interior Ministry official said here Saturday.

Anucha Mokhavej, Director General of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said despite the recent visitation of Cyclone Mala many areas in the country still face insufficient water for household consumption and farming.

The public is requested to use water wisely and to repair leaking plumbing systems, Mr. Anucha said.

Farmers, especially those who farm ricefields outside irrigation areas, are asked not to grow rice during the dry season, but rather switch to grow crops that consume small amounts of water.

Mr. Anucha said those facing hardships from the scarcity of water could ask for help by either contacting offices of the department in their areas, or telephone the department's hotline, 1784, round-the-clock.

--TNA 2006-05-06

So what's new? Every year it's the same things--the drought is coming, the drought is coming.

It's always a good idea to conserve water (as well as other things).

...a drought which will occur this summer?

Isn't summer almost over and the rainy season just around the corner?

All this during a hot season that has had rain (ir)regularly for the last month.

There wil be some that look at the request and ask why?

To my recollection there has been drought in Isaan for the last 20 years at the very least.

Over the last year or two it has been much more widespread,

so which stone did this guy crawl out from under to make this prediction??

As another poster quite rightly points out the summer is over and the rainy season at hand.......................

La Nina heading this way too?

La Nina, El Nino.

These drought budgets must be like a pinata to them.