Rising Mekong puts four Nakhon Phanom districts on flood alert
Authorities warn the Mekong may overflow into low-lying parts of four Nakhon Phanom districts from August 10–14 as river levels continue to rise.
- A flood alert has been issued for four districts in Nakhon Phanom province: Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Tha Uthen, That Phanom, and Ban Phaeng.
- The warning is due to the rising Mekong River, with low-lying areas at risk of overflowing between August 10 and 14.
- Caused by recent heavy rainfall, the river level has reached 10.77 metres, approaching the critical point of 12 metres.
- Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to move belongings to higher ground and monitor official updates from authorities.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned residents in four districts of Nakhon Phanom to prepare for possible overflow from the Mekong as water levels continue to rise, with low-lying areas at risk between August 10 and 14.
The warning, issued on Monday (August 10), covers Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Tha Uthen, That Phanom and Ban Phaeng districts.
Residents in low-lying communities along the Mekong have been advised to move belongings to higher ground, relocate vehicles and ensure that vulnerable people, including older residents and bedridden patients, are properly cared for. They were also urged to closely follow updates from local authorities.
Anyone requiring assistance can contact their subdistrict or village head, local administrative organisation or the DDPM’s 1784 emergency hotline.
The DDPM has worked with mobile network operators Advanced Info Service (AIS), True Corporation and National Telecom (NT) to issue Cell Broadcast alerts about rising Mekong levels in the four districts.
Nakhon Phanom Municipality has also warned residents within the municipal area to prepare for possible river overflow.
Residents can present their national identity cards to collect sandbags from the municipality’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, with distribution limited to 20 bags per household. Further information is available by calling 042-511444 or 082-5628832.
Heavy rain causes temporary flooding in low-lying areas
The municipality reported that continuous heavy rain across Nakhon Phanom caused localised flooding and standing water in some low-lying areas on Sunday (August 9).
Data from the Nakhon Phanom Weather Observing Station showed rainfall of 222.20 millimetres on August 9, placing it within the heavy to very heavy rain range.
The Mekong River level in Nakhon Phanom stood at 10.77 metres, compared with the critical level of 12 metres, after rising by 30 centimetres from the previous day.
Roads along the Mekong remained open to traffic, although some low-lying locations experienced temporary flooding and drainage problems that affected travel.
Municipal workers stepped up pumping operations and cleared drainage routes while closely monitoring conditions. Water was drained rapidly, and the situation has since returned to normal.
The municipality nevertheless urged residents to remain cautious while travelling and to continue monitoring official announcements. Further heavy rain could again cause flooding in low-lying areas.
It also asked the public not to create or share false AI-generated images purporting to show flooding in Nakhon Phanom, warning that such material could mislead viewers.
Governor urges four districts to remain vigilant
Nakhon Phanom Governor Adisak Noisuwan has also warned that the Mekong is continuing to rise and could overflow into low-lying areas between August 10 and 14.
He highlighted Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Tha Uthen, That Phanom and Ban Phaeng as the four districts requiring particular vigilance.
