Chiang Rai Officials asks Locals to Use Water Efficiently as Drough Hits

An awesome close-up view of the Mekong River from the Rim Khong Restaurant, in Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province, Thailand.

 

CHIANG RAI – As drought hits early this year, Chiang Rai has asked its residents to use water efficiently in order for the province’s water supply to last through the whole dry season.

The water level in the Lao river in Chiang Rai has reportedly been dropping and sand dunes can be seen along the bottom of the river, resulting from this year’s early drought, causing off-season farming areas to dry up.

According to Chiang Rai’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, this year’s drought will last longer than in the previous years, adding that there will be enough water for cultivation in some areas only. The office has therefore warned the province’s 18 districts to brace for the upcoming impact. Despite the decreasing water supply, the province has yet to declare any of its districts drought disaster zones.

Authorities have also urged the locals to store water for use in their homes, while asking them to consume water in the most efficient way possible.