Water crisis (updated)
The Yom River has gone dry in many places, leaving communities in Phichit scrambling to find tap water.
The Yom River has gone dry in many places, leaving communities in Phichit scrambling to find tap water.
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THAWEESAK SUKKASEM
To the north of Phichit in Nong Muang Khai district of Phrae, a tributary of the Yom River has completely dried up, something local officials say they have never seen before.
A bridge crosses over the Yom River which has run dry in Sam Ngam district of Phichit. The water shortage is threatening tap water production in many outlying communities across at least four districts in the province. The Yom River is the main source of water for many farming villages. (Photos by Thanarak Khoonton)
Phichit tap water hits critical low
Dwindling flows in the Yom River have pitted authorities in Phichit in a race against time to find alternative sources for household tap water.
A 127-kilometre section of the river which passes through Sam Ngam, Pho Prathap Chang, Bung Na Rang and Pho Thale districts has not flowed for four months.
Ban Tha Buathong village in Pho Prathap Chang district is the worst affected, with the river's sandy bed now exposed in many places.
Although a summer storm that recently lashed Phichit brought heavy rains to much of the northern province, it failed to replenish the river.
As the main river runs dry, local authorities in Ban Tha Buathong were racing to seek new ways to produce tap water for household consumption.
The water level in the Yom River often drops sharply during the dry season as there is no dam to store water.
Local authorities are now looking for natural ponds, wells or other sources capable of feeding tap water production.
The river bed also lies exposed in many parts of neighbouring Phitsanulok. Residents can easily walk across the river at Ban Mai Yoocharoen in Bang Rakam district, which is normally more than 100 metres across at its widest point. Resident Surin Jaithieng predicted the entire section of river in Ban Mai Yoocharoen would become completely dry in the next few days. When this happens, there will be no water to supply households in nearby Sam Ngam district of Phichit.
During the drought period, water shortages are common in Bang Rakam district, despite the river often bursting its banks during the rainy season. The villagers' plight is compounded by freak storms in summer which wreak havoc on local communities and damage many homes. Most locals lack the money to spend on house repairs.
An air force emergency response team has been sent to help with roofing repairs after the recent storm.
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