Drought Concerns Return to SakonNakhon

The year 2020 was widely documented as one of Thailand’s worst drought years in more than four decades. Unfortunately, signs are emerging that we may once again be heading toward a prolonged period of water shortages.

Rainfall so far this year has been disappointing, and the arrival of El Niño is expected to reduce rainfall even further during the coming months and into next year. While no one can predict exactly how severe conditions will become, many experts believe the effects could become noticeable within weeks.

In June 2020, this reservoir near Nong Sa, Lao Po Daeng, showed just how quickly water levels can fall when rainfall remains below normal.

      

Climate agencies, including Thailand’s Office of National Water Resources and GISTDA (Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency), have warned that drought conditions associated with strong El Niño patterns can persist for several years.

For farmers in Sakon Nakhon, water is everything. Rice fields, livestock, and household supplies all depend heavily on reservoir storage. 

As the dry season progresses, reservoir levels may once again become daily news, closely watched by both farmers and residents alike.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon