Authorities are intensifying efforts to speed up water drainage in the northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan to mitigate flood damage. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul noted that effectively channeling floodwaters into the Mekong River could help reduce the impact in these areas, which would fare better than the northern provinces.

Nong Khai has recorded its highest water levels in 16 years at 13.8 meters, flooding parts of the province, including hospitals and municipal offices. In Nakhon Phanom, the rising Mekong River has prompted evacuations in riverside areas, while water levels in Bung Kan have stabilized, with expectations of improvement if there is no further rain.

In Loei's Pak Chom district, water levels have also stabilized and are predicted to drop, provided there are no releases from a dam in Laos. However, heavy rain continues to pose a threat to communities along the Mekong River.

In northern Thailand, the floodwaters in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, have receded, but clean-up efforts are being hindered by thick mud, leaving many areas in disorder. The recent flooding in Chiang Rai has led to 10 fatalities, two injuries, and affected over 150 villages.

Source and Photo Cr.: National News Bureau of Thailand