While several provinces in the north are suffering serious flooding, especially Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, in the north-east, is facing a water shortage with all of its 27 reservoirs now less than half full.
For an example, Lamtakong reservoir, which is the main source of water for Mueang, Sung Noen, Si Khio, Kham Thalae So and Chalerm Phra Kiat, now contains 92.26 million cubic metres of water, 30.61% of its capacity. Of that, only 25.21% of the water is usable.
The water level in the reservoir keeps falling, with a sandbanks being exposed and extending for several kilometres. At weekends, many people visit the reservoir and drive their cars onto the sandbanks to enjoy a dip in the water.
Elsewhere, water levels in the Lam Phra Phloeng, Nam Mun Bon and Nam Bon Lang reservoirs are described as “moderate”. 23 other reservoirs contain a total of 157.30 million cubic metres of water, which is described as “low”.
The Lower North-eastern Meteorological Centre forecasts that there is currently a possibility of moderate rainfall in Pak Chong, Wang Nam Khiao, Khon Bujri, Soeng Sang, Dan Khun Thot and Si Khio, while the 26 other districts will see less rainfall.
The Royal Irrigation Department’s office in the province has suspended supply of water from all the reservoirs for agricultural purposes, to conserve the water for consumption.
