Residents of Nakhon Ratchasima's Phimai district are likely to be the next victims of a prolonged drought after water levels in a local reservoir dropped by 50% this year compared to last year. Despite this week's rainfall, water levels in the Phimai reservoir remain less than sufficient for villagers in four tambons, who have already started to feel the pinch.
Water levels in the Moon and Mas River -- which pass through the district -- are also dropping. It is widely speculated the district will face an extended period of drought and water shortage this year.
The three other districts in question in Nakhon Ratchasima -- Chalerm Phrakiat, Pra Thong Kham and Sung Noen -- are home to a total of 35 villages which have been declared drought-hit by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
According to local officials, the water situation looks gloomy with low water levels in several major reservoirs. The Lam Takhong dam is holding only 54% of its storage capacity while the Lam Phra Phloeng dam is holding just 14%, or about 21 million cubic metres of water.
Department chief, Chayaphol Thitisak, said a total of 36 districts in 10 provinces have been declared drought-hit areas with 1,216 villages affected.
