Mekong flood warning issued for four northeastern provinces from September 1–6
Authorities warn that the Mekong could overflow in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan as water levels rise by up to 4.8 metres
- A flood warning is in effect from September 1-6 for four northeastern provinces along the Mekong River: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan.
- Heavy monsoon rains are causing the river to rise, with water levels forecast to increase by 2.0–4.8 metres.
- Water levels in Nong Khai and Bueng Kan are expected to surpass critical thresholds, placing several low-lying districts at high risk of flooding.
- Residents in at-risk areas are advised to monitor official updates, move belongings to higher ground, and prepare for potential evacuation.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned four northeastern provinces to prepare for rising water levels and possible overflows along the Mekong River between September 1 and 6.
The warning covers Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan, particularly low-lying communities beside the river. Water levels at monitoring points in the four provinces are forecast to rise by approximately 2.0–4.8 metres.
DDPM director-general Theerapat Katchamat reported on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) that the central disaster management command had received an assessment from the Office of the National Water Resources.
The agency attributed the rising river levels to the monsoon trough and the southwesterly monsoon, which have brought heavy upstream rainfall. Increased rainfall in southern China, together with the monsoon covering Thailand and Laos, is expected to push Mekong levels steadily higher.
Nong Khai and Bueng Kan face critical levels
At the Nong Khai monitoring station in Mueang Nong Khai district, the river is expected to exceed the critical level between September 2 and 4.
The water level is forecast to peak on September 4 at approximately 0.28 metres above the critical threshold.
At the Bueng Kan station in Mueang Bueng Kan district, the river is expected to remain above the critical level from September 2 to 5. It is forecast to reach its peak on September 5 at approximately 1.22 metres above the critical threshold.
Districts at risk of flooding
Authorities identified the following low-lying riverside districts as being at risk of river overflow and flooding:
- Nong Khai: Mueang Nong Khai, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, Tha Bo, Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi
- Bueng Kan: Mueang Bueng Kan, Pak Khat, Bung Khla and So Phisai
- Nakhon Phanom: Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen and That Phanom
- Mukdahan: Mueang Mukdahan, Wan Yai and Don Tan
The DDPM has instructed provincial authorities and regional disaster prevention and mitigation centres to monitor the Mekong and its tributaries closely.
Disaster-response machinery, operational vehicles and personnel must remain ready to support affected communities around the clock.
If conditions intensify or spread to a wider area, Emergency Response Teams will be deployed with the necessary equipment to provincial incident command centres to accelerate water management and assistance for residents.
Residents urged to prepare for evacuation
Provincial authorities have been instructed to warn people living beside the Mekong, in low-lying areas and in other flood-prone locations.
Residents should follow river-level updates and official announcements closely, move belongings to higher ground and be prepared to evacuate to safer areas if conditions worsen.
Warnings will be distributed through social media, village public-address systems, local radio stations and community leaders to ensure that residents receive timely and accurate information.
The public can follow alerts through the THAI DISASTER ALERT application. Those requiring assistance can call the 1784 disaster hotline, which operates 24 hours a day.
