Officials rushed to fill sandbags to reinforce the embankment to prevent the Mekong River from overflowing and flooding the city of Nong Khai after the Mekong River rose above the embankment last night. However, there are positive signs, the proportion of the increase is slowing down. It is expected to peak at noon tomorrow.
At Phra That La Nong in Nong Khai Municipality, officials are still rushing to fill sandbags to reinforce the embankment to prevent the water in the Mekong River from overflowing the banks and exceeding the embankment around 11 p.m. last night. Along the 6-kilometer stretch, officials are focusing on placing sandbags in low-lying areas first, gradually increasing the length. The latest stretch is almost 2 kilometers long and 50 centimeters to 1 meter high, depending on the height of the area. However, some of the water has flowed under the embankment and flooded 4 communities in Nong Khai Municipality: Tai That Community, Soi 1-8, Mi Chai Community, Chom Mani Community, and Nong Bua Com
munity, totaling about 1,000 households.
Meanwhile, Nong Khai Municipality cited the forecast of the Office of National Water Resources, stating that the Mekong River will peak at noon tomorrow. Previously expected to be at 13 meters 86 centimeters, the latest water level may be higher than 14 meters. Officials have prepared 7 municipal schools as shelters for flood victims, while the Nong Khai Social Development and Human Security Office has opened 4 temporary shelters to accommodate flood victims.
In addition, in the middle of last night, heavy rain came to make matters worse, with a level exceeding 100 millimeters for almost 3 hours, causing a huge amount of water to flood Prachaksilpakom Road, an economic road located in a low-lying area. As a result, various businesses, schools, and many government offices were flooded. Officials are rushing to drain water from the Mekong River, which is expected to take up to 6 hours. Locals reported that this time the water level is the heaviest they can remember, ma
king it the 4th time, heavier than 2011, but second to 1966 and 1971, respectively. During normal times, heavy rain would not last more than 2 hours, but this time it is believed that it was caused by the Mekong River backing up.
Source: Thai News Agency