Pran Buri Reservoir levels fall to 22% amid drought
Pran Buri Reservoir levels have dropped to just 22% of capacity, highlighting the severity of ongoing drought conditions in Prachuap Khiri Khan and prompting authorities to step up response measures.
Speaking on Wednesday, Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawatseen said the situation remains critical despite significant efforts to support affected communities. More than 400 million litres of clean water have already been distributed to households facing shortages, but further assistance is now being prioritised for those still without reliable access.
The governor instructed relevant agencies to conduct surveys to identify households in need of continued support. He also called for closer coordination to locate additional water sources and requested daily updates on relief efforts.
Drought pressures intensify as Pran Buri Reservoir levels fall
Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat said the drought is having a widespread impact across the province, with several reservoirs now either depleted or significantly reduced. The situation at Pran Buri Reservoir, the largest in the province, is of particular concern.
Water levels at the reservoir have fallen to 22%, compared with more than 30% during the same period last year. In response, authorities have suspended water releases for agricultural use, prioritising supply for household consumption.
Officials are also preparing to declare parts of the province as drought-affected disaster zones. This would allow access to emergency funding to support relief operations and water management initiatives.
Local administrations have been instructed to submit detailed water resource plans, identifying both surface and groundwater sources available in their areas. These plans are intended to guide both immediate response efforts and longer-term drought management.
Efforts to improve water availability have included dredging existing water sources, particularly along railway corridors in several locations. Authorities said planning is already under way to address water shortages into next year, as concerns grow over the long-term impact of reduced rainfall.
