Drought crisis elevated, with northeastern Thailand the hardest-hit region

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BANGKOK, 3 May 2012 – Continued drought crisis has worsened in several areas across the country, while more provinces have fallen prey to the severe dry spell. 

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported that, as of May 3, 50 provinces throughout the country have been declared drought disaster areas.

It said that since February 2nd, more than 36,300 villages in 497 districts have fallen prey to this year’s drought.

Out of 50 drought-hit provinces, 17 are in the North, 19 in the Northeast, 6 in the central region, 7 in the East and one in the South.

Meanwhile, the DDPM reported that water supply stored at all major reservoirs across the country stood at 39.43 billion cubic meters or 56 percent of total capacity, which is higher than in 2011.

In addition, it stated that, currently, Bhumibol Dam and Sirikit Dam are holding water at 50 and 52 percent of their capacity.