NAKHON PHANOM, Thailand – Flood concerns are mounting in Nakhon Phanom after torrential rain pushed the Mekong River sharply higher, with water levels now just 51 centimetres below the critical 12-metre mark. The Mekong stood at 11.49 metres on the morning of August 10, up 72cm from the previous day. The rapid rise has put riverside and low-lying communities on heightened alert, with water already beginning to spill into low-lying areas beneath the Phaya Si Sattanakharat riverside plaza. Several shops in the area have been affected by rising water, but no damage has been reported. Provincial authorities had warned businesses in advance, allowing shop owners to move their goods and property to safer ground.
Other parts of Nakhon Phanom Municipality had not reported direct flooding from the Mekong, while municipal officials continued monitoring the river around the clock and maintaining personnel, pumps and other equipment ready for emergency operations. The rising Mekong comes after heavy to very heavy rainfall across the province. Nakhon Phanom Meteorological Station recorded accumulated rainfall from 7 a.m. on August 9 to 7 a.m. on August 10, with Ban Phaeng district receiving the highest total at 250mm, followed by Mueang Nakhon Phanom at 222mm. Other significant totals included 140mm in Tha Uthen, 126.6mm at the agricultural weather station in Kham Thao, 58mm in Phon Sawan, 54.5mm in That Phanom and 38.5mm in Renu Nakhon. Authorities are monitoring not only the Mekong but also accumulated rainfall and water flowing from tributaries, particularly around low-lying areas, riverside communities, streams and locations vulnerable to flash flooding.
Acting Nakhon Phanom Governor Adisak Noisuwan has ordered five districts to maintain close surveillance: Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, Mueang Nakhon Phanom and That Phanom, which border the Mekong, together with Si Songkhram along the Songkhram River, an important Mekong tributary.
Officials have been instructed to keep residents in vulnerable communities informed and maintain emergency readiness around the clock. Machinery, water pumps, equipment and personnel are being kept ready for immediate deployment if conditions deteriorate.
Residents affected by flooding or requiring assistance can contact Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation hotline at 1784. People in Nakhon Phanom Municipality can call 0-4251-1444, while medical emergencies should be reported to 1669. With the Mekong already only 51cm below the critical level and more heavy rain possible, authorities are warning that conditions could deteriorate quickly in low-lying and riverside areas if rainfall continues.
