Mekong floods Thai-Lao market as water nears crisis level

Nakhon Phanom has experienced a Mekong River overflow, causing flooding in a Thai-Lao border market. The river reached 11.98 metres on August 12, nearing the critical 12-metre level. Hydrological officials recorded the level at 06:00, noting a 15-centimetre increase from the previous day. Authorities have ordered floodgates at key pumping stations to be closed to prevent water from flowing back into the city.

The flooding has impacted agricultural areas along the riverbank, with banana, bamboo, and aromatic coconut plantations inundated, with water reaching up to 1 metre deep. A road more than 3 kilometres long has also been submerged. The temporary border trading area and OTOP goods buildings were particularly affected, with five or six rubbish bins swept away and vendors' belongings floating in the floodwaters.

Farmers like Daosawan, who has bamboo plantations covering more than 30 rai, have suffered losses, as two out of her three plantations were flooded to a depth of about 1 metre since August 9. Daosawan may face substantial losses and has to use a boat to harvest bamboo from the flooded plantations. Border traders from Pak Peng, on the Lao side, have also struggled to cross the border due to the flooding.

Meanwhile, the Songkhram River overflowed its banks in Si Songkhram district, inundating homes in Tha Bo Songkhram and Pak Un villages, with water entering residences and flooding around eight to 10 houses to a depth of 50 centimetres to 1 metre. Authorities are taking steps to ensure the well-being of residents, delivering essential supplies and providing support in affected areas.