BANGKOK, March 26 (UPI) -- Thai officials said Friday disaster areas have been declared in 53 provinces due to water shortages brought on by a severe drought.
The Interior Ministry's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said a total 1,755,100 households, or 6,482,602 people, have been affected by the extreme dry season, the Bangkok Post reported Friday.
The drought has also caused damage to 58,300 acres of farmland in the 53 provinces, officials said.
The officials said rescue workers with the department have distributed 20.6 million gallons of water in the area and performed installations, repairs and upkeep on 3,645 weirs, 3,985 reservoirs and 689 water pumps.
