BANGKOK, 20 August 2014 – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has declared thirty provinces now relieved of drought, while emergency assistance is still needed to relieve the plight of people in Ubon Ratchathani.
The Department Director-General Chatchai Promlert said even though 30 provinces nationwide now have relief from the scarcity of water, the drought situation still affects 2,928 households in two districts.
He said that authorities have been told to inspect the remaining drought-hit areas so that adequate distribution can be worked out to supply water efficiently, for use in farming during the hot season. Advice will also be given to farmers to avoid planting second crop paddy and to turn to less water consuming plants, he said. Water supply trucks, water pumps and buckets are also prepared and available to help people in remaining drought-hit areas to relieve their difficulties, he said.
Anyone affected by drought and needing help can contact the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation for assistance on the hotline 1748 available 24 hours.
