Government affirms northeastern region has enough water for Songkran

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, March 16 (TNA) -- The 2nd Army Area reaffirmed that the northeastern region would have adequate water to celebrate the upcoming Songkran Festival, but advised that water usage for the festival be economised as the country is still devastated by the drought 2nd Army Area Commander Lt Gen Tawat Sukplung said drought this year is quite severe, prompting all concerned sectors to try to provide assistance to drought victims at their best efforts. He noted that while many are worried that there would not be enough water to celebrate the Songkran Festival, he, contary, affirmed that the region would have adequte amount of water to celebrate the Thai Traditional New Year, though he suggested that water usage be economised in order to help the country survive this drought. Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Wichien Chantaranothai, meanwhile, said that many areas in the province are hit with the drought, where water sources are becoming more scarce as most have dried up. He said he would like to encourage all offices to joined forces in carrying out the Songkran celebrations, while at the same time preserving water. The governor has also visited the Phra Thong Kham Hospital in Phra Thong Kham district and Kham Sakae Saeng Hospital to ensure that both hospitals would not be at risk of water shortage, as both hospitals area currently pumping up raw water frm eight kilometres away for usage and the water level at the said sources have continued dwindle. (TNA)