Severe drought hitting Thai North, Northeast

BANGKOK, February 26 (TNA) - As the government is busy finding ways to prevent any flood disaster from hitting Thailand this year, several provinces in the North and Northeast are encountering severe drought and the situation is expected to deteriorate during the upcoming dry season. Drought situation in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai is worrisome as provincial governor Thanin Suphasaen last Wednesday declared all of the 18 districts disaster zones. Already, more than 130,000 rai of rice paddy and crops have been damaged. Banana growers around tambon Rim Kok, a major area for growing bananas in Chiang Rai, are already feeling the effect after an absence of rain for more than four months. They have to pump water from newly built artesian wells and spray on banana trees which are producing both handsome fruits and prices. Natural water sources in Phitsanulok province have now become virtually dried, affecting 4,853 households in 14 villages. Water for consumption has become scarce while officials have to carry water to help the villagers. In Nakhon Phanom province bordering Laos, the temperature rose to 38 degrees Celsius, forcing people to spend time outdoor. As the water level in the Mekong River has dropped sharply with several parts of the river visibly shown sands, villagers put up temporary food stalls and they are doing brisk business, especially on weekends as many people would spend time and relax themselves at the mighty river. (TNA)