Chiang Mai declares 9 districts drought-hit zones

CHIANG MAI, 23 March 2012 (NNT) – Chiang Mai provincial administration has declared 9 districts in the province drought disaster zones.

Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation official Khomsan Suwan-ampa said the 9 districts included Doi Lo, Chomthong, Mae Cham, San Kamphaeng, Phrao, Samoeng and Mae-On. Two more districts to be declared drought zones are Hod and Fang districts.

The declaration empowers the related district chief officers to urgently request an emergency fund worth 1 million baht, for use in disaster relief. If the total amount of damages caused by drought spells exceeds district offices’ capability to handle, the provincial administration is required to allocate more fund for the relief operation.

Due to water shortages, the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office is also requesting more water for distribution to those living outside the irrigation zones.