DPA
Vientiane - An unusual drop in the water level of the Mekong River has dried up the irrigation systems of over 3,600 hectares of rice fields in the Lao capital, state media reported Tuesday. Seven Vientiane irrigation systems have insufficient water because the Mekong has been falling more rapidly than usual, dropping an average rate of 10 centimetres a day since the beginning of February, the Vientiane Times reported.
The lack of water is threatening some 3,680 hectares of rice fields in Hadxaifong and Pakngum districts of the capital, according to an official at the Vientiane Irrigation Division, who asked not to be named.
"Though these seven stations are still operational, they are unable to run a full capacity due to the insufficient inflow of water," the official said. If the Mekong level drops another 30-50 centimetres some 9,000 hectares of rice land will be affected, the official warned.
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