Mekong River floods roads in Nakhon Phanom, warnings issued

The Mekong River has overflowed, flooding roads by half a metre, prompting warnings for four districts to take caution. Heavy rains have been relentless recently. Residents have been fishing amidst the rising waters.

Floodwaters from the Mekong River submerged Sawan Chai Khong Road in Nakhon Phanom province, as reported yesterday. The road, constructed 30 to 40 metres from the riverbank, lies between Nakhon Phanom municipality and Ban Nong Chan in Tha Kho Sub-district, Mueang District.

This has led to significant flooding that has inundated fishermen’s shelters and agricultural plots along a stretch of more than 1 kilometre, with water depths ranging from 40 to 50 centimetres. Small vehicles are prohibited from passing through due to the dangerous conditions.

At 8.30am, today, August 8, Wanchai Chanporn, the Governor of Nakhon Phanom, along with Dech Bamrung Hong from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, Santiphant Phanphun, Director of the Nakhon Phanom Irrigation Office, and Wattanachak Saensom, Head of Operations at the Provincial Public Works Department, inspected the flood situation.

Wachai stated that two to three days ago, heavy rains in the northern region and Laos had raised water levels, especially in the Mekong River. Logs carried by the floodwaters have exacerbated the situation.

The team visited Ban Nong Chan, Moo 1, Tha Kho Sub-district, the lowest point of the road along the Mekong. The highest water level recorded yesterday was 9.75 centimetres, causing water to overflow onto the road, reaching a depth of 60 centimetres.

River overflow

The governor emphasised that the water level poses a significant risk to motorists and cyclists using this route to enter the city. Consequently, the Public Works Department has been instructed to install warning signs prohibiting passage on this hazardous stretch.

Although the flooding has a minimal impact on farmers, the tourism road, which has a concave shape, is particularly vulnerable. Plans are underway to elevate the road to prevent future flooding. Residents have been warned to exercise caution, especially when using boats to haul large logs or fish in the turbulent and murky waters.

Santiphant noted that the water level in the Mekong River at Nakhon Phanom stands at 9.76 metres. Projections from the water measurement station indicate a potential 20% increase in water levels by tomorrow, with a subsequent decrease. Residents are urged to monitor the situation closely.

Dech reported that the National Water Resources Office is monitoring the Mekong River closely due to heavy rainfall in Laos, affecting Loei and Bueng Kan provinces. This has led to a rapid increase in the Mekong River’s water level between August 6 and August 10.

The water level is expected to rise by 1.0 to 1.20 metres between August 7 and August 9 but will remain 2.0 to 3.3 metres below the riverbank. Dech also mentioned that on August 7, there is a possibility of the river overflowing and causing flooding in Nakhon Phanom’s Ban Phaeng, Mueang, Tha Uthen, and That Phanom districts. These districts have been advised to remain vigilant and monitor the rising water levels and strong currents until August 10.

Kong Chaikan, a 62 year old fisherman from Ban Nong Chan, Moo 1, stated that the river has been overflowing in this area for four days, with water levels reaching 30 centimetres and gradually increasing. Temporary shelters for three families have been flooded.

Phet, a 64 year old resident, mentioned that her five-rai chilli and marigold plots are now submerged under 30 to 40 centimetres of water. Daeng Ropkop, a 71 year old resident of Tha Kho Sub-district, sees the flooding as an opportunity, reported KhaoSod.

He has been setting nets in the flooded areas, catching various fish species like pla khaw noi, pla khap khong, and small Nile tilapia. These catches, sold for 100 baht (US$3) per day, have provided some income. However, he anticipates that the rising water levels will soon make fishing difficult, likely making today the last day for a decent catch.