Thailand and Myanmar to expand catchment areas amid flood crisis

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is negotiating with Myanmar officials to find collaborative solutions to the regional flood crisis. Discussions focus on expanding catchment areas to alleviate the flooding impact.

Myanmar faces severe flooding due to storms and water flowing from the highlands into the Salween River. The Thai embassy in Myanmar is facilitating discussions between agencies from both nations to identify suitable areas for catchment development.

The flood situation is affecting all countries along the Mekong River, with Myanmar’s Tachileik border town experiencing its worst flooding in three decades. Heavy rains have caused the Sai River to overflow, exacerbated by construction on both riverbanks in Thailand and Myanmar, which has narrowed and shallowed the waterway, said Maris.

“The current flood situation requires immediate and long-term solutions. We are preparing to propose enhanced cooperation in water management through the Mekong-Lanchang Cooperation framework.”

Simultaneously, the Chinese embassy in Bangkok addressed media reports on Facebook, denying that China is releasing water into the Mekong River from the Jinghong Dam. The embassy asserted that China has been regulating the water flow from the dam continuously, reported Bangkok Post.

The Facebook post stated that “China is committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Mekong countries in addressing the impacts of extreme weather conditions.”

In related news, residents of Nong Khai have been advised to move their belongings to higher ground as the Mekong River’s water level is expected to peak by September 15 due to ongoing flooding.

The flood situation in Nong Khai province remains concerning as the Mekong River continues to rise steadily.

The water level at the Nong Khai Hydrology Station was recorded at 13.46 metres at 8pm on September 13, increasing by 2 to 4 centimetres per hour.

The strong current has led to flooding in several areas, affecting six districts along the river: Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, Tha Bo, Mueang Nong Khai, Phon Phisai, and Rattanawapi.