PHICHIT, 26 April 2014 (NNT) -- The drought in the lower northern province of Phichit has intensified, prompting authorities to announce six more district disaster zones.
The water level in the part of the Yom river flowing through Phichit province has been critically low for several weeks. The summer heat and lack of rain have aggravated the situation of water shortage in many parts of Phichit.
Six more districts were declared drought disaster zones on Friday, up from the four announced previously; leaving only two out of 12 districts in Phichit unaffected by severe water shortage.
Without water, rice farmers cannot grow their second off-season crops, causing them to lose an opportunity to earn extra income. There is nothing they could do but wait for the rainy season, which usually starts in May.
Forty-two provinces nationwide have so far been declared as drought disaster zones.