Rising Mekong puts Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom at flood risk

Rising water levels in the Mekong River are expected to overflow into low-lying areas in four districts of the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom between now and Friday.

In Bueng Kan, the swollen river has risen to 12.06 metres, prompting officials to raise yellow flags to alert riverside communities in five districts to monitor the water situation and prepare to move their belongings to higher ground.

In Nakhon Phanom, the districts of Muang, Tha U-then, Ban Paeng and That Phanom are at risk of flooding. Communities at risk have been advised to prepare to evacuate bedridden and elderly people to safety and move valuable belongings to higher ground.

In Bueng Kan, provincial officials issued a warning via cell broadcast yesterday evening, advising communities in Muang, Pak Khat, Bung Kla and Bueng Khong Long to monitor the water situation and comply with official instructions.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain, flash floods and river overflows in several northern provinces, as well as drought in some areas. The Prime Minister’s Office said the government had instructed affected provinces to set up command centres and prepare personnel and equipment to cope with emergencies.