The Pang Sida waterfall, a famous tourist destination in Sa Kaeo, has dried up as the eastern province suffers the country's worst drought in recent memory.
Khomsan Maneekan, deputy chief of Pang Sida National Park, said yesterday the severe drought which hit the eastern region has left the waterfall parched since January, resulting in a decline in tourist numbers.
Pang Sida waterfall normally receives water from small creeks 5km upstream in the park. However, after a long absence of rain, water in the creeks have run dry, which has affected the water level at the waterfall.
Water has also become scarce for wildlife, forcing them to find alternative water sources located near villages.
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Mr Khomsan also asked residents not to harm the animals.
Meanwhile, Khao Yai National Park chief Kanchit Srinoppawan yesterday instructed officials to conduct a survey of natural water sources in the park, which covers the provinces of Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima and Saraburi, to see whether water is sufficient for wildlife.
An initial survey showed the water volume was still adequate for wild animals in the park.
While the rain normally comes in April, Mr Kanchit said the situation will depend on the weather which is unpredictable.
In Khon Kaen, villagers could face a tap water shortage after May due to the low water levels in the Ubolratana dam.
Deputy provincial governor Prasert Luechanon yesterday said the dam is only 27% of its full capacity. Of the total volume, only 3% is usable water.
The water shortage has started to affect more than 57,000 households covering 104 tambons of 16 districts.
If there was no rain water by May, tap water distribution in the province would be affected, he said.
An aerial view of Pang Sida waterfalls. (Photo courtesy of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation)
At Phasi Soong fresh market in Chai Nat's Muang district, the long-running drought has also resulted in a surge in vegetable prices of five to 10 baht a kilogramme.
A vendor said some farmers refrained from growing crops due to the water shortage, which led to a decline in vegetable products on the market.
Meanwhile, artificial rainmaking operations were launched nationwide yesterday to help ease the drought.
In the Northeast, Thawee Kanchana, director of the Northeastern Royal Rainmaking Operation Centre, said the rainmaking flights aim to replenish the water level in the region's main dams, particularly Lamtakong dam in Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubolratana dam in Khon Kaen, Lampao dam in Kalasin and Chulabhorn dam in Chaiyaphum.
On April 1, rainmaking operations will be extended to ease the water shortage in agricultural areas.
In Phitsanulok yesterday, three aircraft were being prepared to produce artificial rain to refill reservoirs and alleviate the haze situation in that province, along with in Phichit, Uttaradit, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak provinces.
