BANGKOK, 12 April 2013 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) made known that 46 provinces across the country have been declared drought disaster zones as the crisis continues to grip the North and the Northeast.

Out of the 46 drought-stricken zones, the DDPM reported that a total of 29 provinces, including Kalasin, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai and Tak, are experiencing severe drought. More than 50 percent of areas in each province are hit by water shortages.

At present, Thailand’s major dams are holding a combined 38 billion cubic meters or 54 percent of the total capacity.

Read more: NNT