National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center Orders Provinces to Prepare for Drought Conditions Until Mid-May
On February 19, 2024, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, revealed that the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center has been monitoring weather conditions with the Meteorological Department. They found that from mid-January to mid-May, most areas of the country will experience dry conditions, with potential water shortages affecting agricultural production and drinking water supplies.
The government has issued six key directives for provinces, including:
1. Establish monitoring teams to track water levels, rainfall, and usage
2. Prepare provincial drought response plans
3. Integrate military, local government, and private sector resources for emergency response
4. Inspect and repair water storage and village water systems
5. Create public awareness campaigns about water conservation
6. Establish emergency response centers at provincial and local levels
The goal is to ensure citizens have sufficient water and prevent potential conflicts during the dry season.