BANGKOK, 21 April 2012 (NNT) – The drought crisis continues to grip Thailand, with the Northeast being the worst affected.

The number of provinces declared emergency drought disaster areas has now reached 43 in five regions, namely the North, Northeast, Central, East and South. The worst hit regions are the North and Northeast with 15 and 16 provinces respectively.

The water levels at seven major reservoirs have now decreased to 30 percent of their capacities. The water level of Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok province has lowered to only 18 percent of its actual capacity.

However, the amount of water at dams and reservoirs throughout the country is estimated at 41 million cubic meters or nearly 60 percent of their storage capacities which is still higher than that of last year.

Meanwhile, the smoke problem remains worrying in Chiang Rai northern province. The level of dust particles there is 136.5 microgram per cubic meter which can still pose health risks.

Source: NNT