Authorities in Thailand are warning of an extraordinary drought this year, with water reserves in reservoirs reaching critical levels.
Thai Meteorological Department Deputy Director-General Kornrawee Sitthichivapak says, "Considering the data from the past 10 years, overall downpours from January 1st to the present are lower than average. If we focus on specific regions, for example in the north, this year is at the lowest in a decade."
Officials are concerned a scarcity of water could affect farmers, as the rainy season is when rice, the country's most important crop, is grown.
An agency looking after water resources says water reserves in dams in the main crop growing regions have fallen below last year's level. Some reservoirs are already completely empty.
Officials expect the severe drought will persist until late next month.
NHK
