NONG KHAI, Thailand – Authorities are ramping up efforts to accelerate water drainage in the northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan in an attempt to lessen flood damage. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that if floodwaters can be efficiently channeled into the Mekong River, the impact in these regions should be less severe compared to the northern provinces.
Nong Khai has experienced its highest water levels in 16 years at 13.8 meters, flooding parts of the province, including hospitals and municipal offices. In Nakhon Phanom, the rising Mekong River has led to evacuations in riverside areas, while Bung Kan’s water levels have stabilized, with hopes of improvement if there is no further rainfall.
In Loei’s Pak Chom district, water levels have also stabilized and are expected to recede, barring any water releases from a dam in Laos. However, heavy rain remains a concern for communities along the Mekong River, posing ongoing challenges.
In northern Thailand, Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai has seen floodwaters recede, but the clean-up is hampered by thick mud, leaving many areas in disarray. The recent flooding in Chiang Rai has resulted in 10 deaths and two injuries, impacting over 150 villages. (NNT)
