Residents Mobilize to Safeguard Property as River Levels Surpass 12 Meters
PUBLISHED : 14 Sep 2024 at 14:06
Severe flooding, reaching up to 2 meters in certain areas, has emerged in Nong Khai province following two consecutive days of heavy rain. Local residents have swiftly mobilized to protect their homes from rising waters.
On Saturday, the Nong Khai Mekong Hydrological Cycle Observation Station reported a river level of 13.67 meters around 9 am, marking an alarming rise of 57 centimeters since the previous day, with the water overflowing by 1.47 meters due to sustained downpours.
Forecasts indicate that water levels may continue to rise until Monday, exacerbated by ongoing rainfall, and could threaten the economic heart of the province.
The recent heavy rainfall has been attributed to Typhoon Yagi, which has wreaked havoc across Southeast Asia, causing numerous casualties and extensive destruction from the Philippines to Myanmar. Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Rai, is experiencing some of the worst flooding in years.
As Nong Khai faces inundation exceeding a meter in specific regions, local inhabitants are relocating vehicles to higher ground and erecting sandbag barriers around their properties.
Emergency response teams are operating flat-bottomed boats to aid those impacted, including healthcare personnel requiring resources for patient care.
Relief efforts are being bolstered by soldiers and provincial livestock officials who are constructing barriers and relocating farm animals to safer areas.
In Bueng Kan province, the Mekong River has reached its highest level of the year, exceeding 13 meters and posing a threat to four districts. Areas in tambon Pak Khat have already been submerged under 10 to 50 centimeters of water.
