Drought hits NE, storm attacks South

BANGKOK, May 6 (TNA) - Several northeastern Thai provinces are suffering from severe drought while tropical storm and strong winds have hit many southern provinces, especially Trang. Meanwhile, weather experts have issued a warning to southerners that landslides and flash floods could occur in the region soon. In Kalasin province, people are suffering from both severe drought and tropical storm. Provincial authorities have already declared 17 out of the total 18 districts disaster areas. Rice farmers are living under hardship as irrigation officials have stopped supplying water to rice fields after finding that only 30 per cent of water was left in a reservoir. The water level of Chi River in Yasothon province has dropped sharply, displaying sand islands on several spots of the river. Fishermen are able to catch only a few fishes and are forced to switch to other jobs temporarily. Although scattered showers are seen in the lower northern province of Phitsanulok, several areas in the province have been affected by tropical storms. Water for consumption in Wang Thong district is scarce and villagers have to buy water. It is projected that more than 1,000 rai of farmland in the province would be destroyed if there is no rain within the next two weeks. In other updates, tropical storms coupled with heavy rainfall have swept in several southern provinces. Waves in the Gulf of Thailand have been measured at between one-two metres, but there have been no reports on damages so far. Heavy rains also fell in Trang province, damaging nearly half of stalls participated at the farmers fair at a sports stadium in Muang district. Traders have decided to stop trading even though they have paid rental booth fees in advance after heavy rains in the past two days. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation officials in Trang have issued a public warning, especially those living in three risky districts, to be on alert for mudslides and flash floods. (TNA)