BANGKOK, 21 February 2013 (NNT) – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) are urgently implementing assistance measures for people affected by drought.
During today’s meeting to lay down measures for dealing with drought problems, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk said the ministry would this year give priority to assistance for people in remote areas and places where natural water sources were scarce.
Meanwhile, DDPM Director-General Chatchai Phromlert said the department was working with authorities in drought-affected provinces to dig groundwater wells, dredge natural water sources and transport water to the locals.
Mr Chatchai added that the department would conduct a survey on the locals’ needs for water and use the findings to create an information center for drought. The department has requested the Cabinet for urgent support for its drought assistance program from 15 February–15 May 2013.