Mekong rises 95cm at Nong Khai as heavy rain persists
The Mekong at Nong Khai reached 8.98 metres on August 8, still 3.22 metres below the warning level, as heavy rain threatens the upper Northeast
- The Mekong River at Nong Khai rose by 95 centimetres in a single day, reaching a level of 8.98 metres.
- This rise is attributed to persistent heavy rain in the upper Northeast, driven by a monsoon trough and a strengthening southwest monsoon.
- Despite the significant increase, the river's level remains 3.22 metres below the official warning threshold.
- Officials are advising close monitoring of the situation as continued rainfall is forecast, which could cause the river to rise further.
The Mekong River at Nong Khai rose 95 centimetres in a day to 8.98 metres on Saturday (August 8), prompting close monitoring of riverside and low-lying areas as heavy rain continues across the upper Northeast.
The Nong Khai Tourism Information Centre reported the river level at 8.98 metres, up 0.95 metres from the previous morning, while accumulated rainfall stood at 67.6 millimetres.
The level remained 3.22 metres below the 12.20-metre warning threshold cited in the report. The riverbank level was given as 13.20 metres.
However, continued rainfall in the area and water flowing downstream from the north could cause the Mekong to rise further, according to the report. Officials and residents along the river and in low-lying areas were advised to maintain close surveillance around the clock.
Heavy rain forecast across upper Northeast
The Upper Northeastern Meteorological Center, part of the Thai Meteorological Department, issued Warning No. 4 (63/2569) at 6am over heavy to very heavy rain in the upper Northeast. The centre’s official English name is the Upper Northeastern Meteorological Center.
The conditions are being driven by a monsoon trough extending across the upper North and upper Northeast, together with a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
The areas identified in the warning were:
August 8
Very heavy rain: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom
Heavy rain: Nong Bua Lamphu and Kalasin
August 9
Heavy rain: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Chaiyaphum
The centre defines the upper Northeast as Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen and Chaiyaphum.
Flash-flood and landslide risks
People in vulnerable areas were warned that continuing accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods, run-off and landslides, particularly on foothill slopes near waterways and in low-lying areas.
Residents were advised to check drainage around their homes, move belongings to higher ground where necessary, prepare essential supplies for emergencies and closely follow warnings from the Thai Meteorological Department and local authorities.
The Department of Water Resources’ Nong Khai hydrology section is responsible for monitoring, forecasting and reporting hydrological conditions, including floods and droughts, within its areas of responsibility.
