2 Districts Declared Disaster Areas Due To Drought

[ChiangMaiMail]

2 districts declared disaster areas due to drought [/b]

2 districts, San Sai and Omkoi, have already been declared disaster areas due to drought by Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimmanant. The districts encompass 105 villages with a total of 9,477 families and 1,285 farms.

Sriphanee Boonyamanit, Chief strategist for the Office of Chiang Mai Provincial Public Disaster Prevention and Relief Work, announces plans to tackle the drought in Chiang Mai Province. Sriphanee Boonyamanit, Chief strategist for the Office of Chiang Mai Provincial Public Disaster Prevention and Relief Work, said plans have already been laid and efforts stepped up to prevent drought as the rainy season was low and the water level in many dams has already receded.

The Mae Ngad Somboonchol dam in Mae Taeng district has 77.22 % of capacity while the Mae Kuang Udomthara dam in Doi Saket District is only at 24% capacity.

The Disaster Prevention Office has earmarked a budget of 364,000 baht so far to help tackle the upcoming drought problems.

"Firstly, a task force center has been set up tackle the drought problem, at the district and provincial level. A list is being compiled of drought risk areas, and preparations are being made for the mobilization of materials and equipment; water trucks, water pumps and tools for use in relief work," Sriphanee Boonyamanit said.

In addition, the Office has also inspected water sources, reservoirs, and water containers for efficient use. More dredging and digging of ponds, canals, and public water sources for public use in the village is also planned.

A promotional campaign for more supplies and water containers has been launched, encouraging public participation in providing more containers for water consumption. The Office also introduced farmers to plants that consume less water during the summer, and informed the public and local organizers help promote education about water conservation.

Last year, 12 districts, 353 tambons, 329 villages, 19,622 families, and 10,622 rai of agriculture land were hit by drought.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/2-Districts-...ml#entry3364578

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2010/02/23

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