Thai authorities monitoring water level of Mekong River

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – Officials of Thailand are closely monitoring the rising water level of the Mekong River after rain continued to hammer down on much of the Kingdom in the past couple of days, flooding residential areas and farmland in several provinces.

The water level of the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom is only 1 metre and 65 centimetres away from hitting the critical level. Recurring rain and runoff from the river’s tributaries are contributing to the rising water level. The province has already declared the districts of Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, Phon Sawan, That Phanom, Renu Nakhon, Pla Pak, Ban Phaeng and Muang Nakhon Phanom flood disaster zones.

In Nong Khai province, the water level of the Mekong River was this morning at 9 meters 26 centimetres and rising, which was only 2.94 meters from the top of the embankment. All shipping operators in the area have halted operations due to safety concerns.

Similarly in Mukdahan province, officials have installed red flags to warn maritime commuters and residents of the high level of the river, which is above the 12 meter mark, considered the critical level. Several districts are affected by the event. Residents are urged to closely monitor the situation.

In Ubon Ratchathani, overflow from the Mekong River has flooded at least 20 households and some agricultural areas in Khemmarat district and put more than 100 homes at risk of inundation. Residents are moving their belongings to higher ground where possible.

Meanwhile, the Phang-Nga Highway Maintenance Office has dispatched officials to inspect the Khok Khian - Khao Sok intersection of Highway 401, after a rain-triggered landslide blocked 23 meters of the road. Initially, officials are being stationed at the site to oversee the access of commuters and prevent road accidents.-VNA