Drought in Phichit worst in 30 years

PHICHIT, March 6 (TNA) - Thailand’s lower northern province of Phichit is now facing a severe drought, considered the worst in three decades, after the water level in the Yom River has receded sharply. Officials said the situation in Phichit’s Sam Ngam district is now critical and people could walk across the river easily. The sharp drop in the water level of Yom River has already affected tap water production in 12 villages . A village chief in the province has decided to solve the problem by pumping water from artesian wells first and then use a water filter system before making it drinkable. The clean water is supplied to villagers twice a day -- morning and evening. According to the Interior Ministry’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, drought has now spread to 12 provinces nationwide. (TNA)