NAKHON PHANOM, 28 February 2012 – Drought has taken over many provinces in the Northeast. The Mekong River, the lifeline for local farmers, has run dry, affecting transportation and water supply.
The water level in the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province has continued to drop dramatically, the fastest drop compared to those in recent years. Sand dunes are now visible in the middle of the river.
Besides making water transportation difficult, the drought has also disrupted water distribution system of the Provincial Waterworks Authority. Pumping stations cannot fully pump the water up into the system; the water production has been reduced by 30%. With high demand of water usage during the drought season, the water supply is sorely insufficient currently.
The Nakhon Phanom Provincial Waterworks Authority has urged people to save water to prevent shortage. If the river continues to dry out, the authority said it may have to lower the water supply pressure and distribute it during certain period of the day.
