Bangkok: The National Water Resources Management Committee (NWRC) has issued a warning to four provinces in the Mekong River basin-Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan-to brace for potential flooding as riverbanks are expected to overflow from September 3-6. The water levels downstream of the Xayaburi Dam are projected to continue rising, with increased rainfall anticipated across Thailand from September 3-7. Currently, the Mekong River level at Nong Khai stands at 10.59 meters, increasing by approximately 0.5 centimeters per hour, despite a decrease in water levels upstream.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paitoon Kengkanchang, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Water Resources Office (NWRO), reported that while there is a declining trend in water volume from upstream and the dams upstream of the Xayaburi Dam in Laos, the water levels downstream are still on the rise. As of this morning, the water level at Nong Khai province is at 10.59 meters, continuing to rise, necessitating ongoing monitoring.
The recent data on the Mekong River reveals a water flow rate of 12,500 cubic meters per second at the Xayaburi Dam, a reduction from approximately 18,000 cubic meters per second observed on August 31st. This trend corresponds with reports from the Jinghong station in China and the Chiang Saen station in Chiang Rai province, indicating a decrease upstream of the dam.
The water previously released from upstream continues to cause a rise in the Mekong River level downstream of the Xayaburi Dam. Additionally, the Meteorological Department forecasts increased rainfall in Thailand from September 3-7, with heavy rain expected in parts of the North, Northeast, Central, and Eastern regions. As a result, closely monitoring water flow from tributaries into the Mekong River has become crucial.
The NWRC anticipates that the Mekong River level will rise by approximately 2.0-4.8 meters in the four provinces, with some areas at risk of surpassing critical levels. Areas of particular concern include:
- Nong Khai: Water levels at the Nong Khai monitoring station in Mueang Nong Khai district are expected to exceed critical levels from September 2-4, peaking at 0.28 meters above the critical level on September 4th.
- Bueng Kan: Water levels at the Bueng Kan station in Mueang Bueng Kan district are predicted to remain above critical levels from September 2-5, reaching 1.22 meters above the critical level on September 5th.
The areas at risk of river overflow and flooding, especially low-lying regions along the Mekong River, include:
- Nong Khai province: Districts of Mueang Nong Khai, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, Tha Bo, Phon Phisai, and Rattanawapi.
- Bueng Kan: Districts of Mueang Bueng Kan, Pak Khat, Bung Khla, and So Phisai.
- Nakhon Phanom: Districts of Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, and That Phanom.
- Mukdahan: Districts of Mueang Mukdahan, Wan Yai, and Don Tan.
These areas, along with tributaries that may struggle to drain water into the Mekong River if its levels rise, require vigilant monitoring.
The NWRC requests relevant agencies to prepare for potential river overflows and flooding, urging the public in low-lying areas along the Mekong River and those traveling or engaging in activities near the river to closely track the situation and any changes in water levels.a