Five Provinces Brace for Mekong River Overflow Aug 10-14
Five northeastern provinces along the Mekong River are on high alert for potential overflow from August 10-14, with authorities pre-positioning pumps and disaster equipment to mitigate flooding in low-lying areas.
Interior Minister Jé Saraswat Thaisaraswat has instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and related agencies to continuously monitor Mekong River water levels 24 hours a day, particularly in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Mukdahan, and Nakhon Phanom provinces. Water levels are rising steadily and are expected to overflow in low-lying areas between August 10-14. The ministry has ordered all units to prepare pumping equipment, disaster machinery, and staff for immediate deployment should conditions deteriorate. "We do not wait for floods to occur and then help," the minister stated. "We must monitor, warn, and prepare beforehand. Alert systems must work swiftly so people have time to take shelter and reduce damage." The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has already begun installing pumps and draining water into the Mekong from 6:30 p.m. onward to enhance drainage capacity and prepare for potential heavy rains. Disaster equipment and personnel remain mobilized around the clock. The Ministry of Interior emphasizes prevention before disasters strike and timely public warnings, with all units coordinated from monitoring through assessment, alerts, and recovery operations, with public safety as the ultimate goal.
