BANGKOK, 15 May 2012 Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has removed 4 provinces from the list of 51 drought-hit provinces. The department also revealed that more rain is forecasted during May 16-19.
DDPM’s General Director Viboon Sanguanwong said 4 provinces are no longer considered drought disaster zones, reducing the number of affected provinces to 47. At present, two provinces in the list plagued by severe drought are Mukdahan and Loei provinces.
Regarding the nation’s water supplies, Mr Viboon said major dams across the country are currently holding 38.011 billion cu/m of water, 54% more than the water volume of the previous year.
He added that according to the weather bureau, scattered thundershowers can be expected in all regions of the kingdom, resulting in higher volume of rain during May 16-19.
Following the forecast, the DDPM has instructed relevant agencies to prepare to tackle possible floods, storms, mudslides and high tidal waves. DDPM offices nationwide have been ordered to closely monitor the situation and to provide assistance to residents affected by the expected heavy rain.
