Mae hong son: Heavy rains in Mae Hong Son have caused flash floods, sweeping through villages in Pang Mu Subdistrict and damaging several houses. Meanwhile, in Nakhon Phanom Province, the Mekong River level continues to rise, approaching a critical level. The Deputy Minister of Interior has ordered proactive water management, preparing for both the eventuality and recovery.
According to Thai News Agency, the damage after flash floods hit Ban Khum Nam, or "Pok Klang Nam" as the locals call it, in Pang Mu Subdistrict, Mueang District, Mae Hong Son Province. The force of the floodwaters damaged the road. Villagers said that around 11 PM last night (August 13th), heavy rain caused the water level in the Mae Hong Son River to overflow onto the road, flooding houses, and then a very rapid and violent flash flood occurred.
Although the water level has receded, it has left behind widespread damage. The strong current swept debris, including logs and grass, against the bridge, while the water in the stream flowing through the village is still flowing very strongly.
A survey of the damage revealed many houses affected, with some still flooded inside and belongings almost completely destroyed due to the rapid and forceful rise of the water. Officials provided assistance, distributing food, water, and essential supplies to alleviate initial hardship, and established temporary shelters to accommodate residents who needed to be evacuated from high-risk areas.
The survey revealed no injuries or fatalities because community leaders issued warnings and evacuated residents from high-risk areas to safety before the water level rose. However, houses, tractors, motorcycles, bridges, roads, and agricultural crops were damaged.
Mekong River levels continue to rise, nearing a crisis point. Several northeastern provinces along the Mekong River are closely monitoring water levels. In Nakhon Phanom province, although the water level has decreased by about 10 centimeters today compared to yesterday, it is still considered very high, measuring 11.90 meters - close to the critical level of 12 meters. Flooding has begun in low-lying areas, particularly on the popular "Sawan Chai Khong" road (a scenic route for exercise and cycling) adjacent to the Mekong River. The road is flooded with water nearly half a meter deep for over 3 kilometers, forcing its temporary closure.
While the Nakhon Phanom municipality has reinforced water pumps at more than 10 locations in preparation for continued heavy rainfall, fortunately, there has been no rain for the past two days, keeping the Mekong River level stable. However, close monitoring is still necessary. The province has warned residents in four high-risk districts along the Mekong River-Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, That Phanom, and Mueang-to be prepared if the river level rises further.
Mr. Jetseth Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of Interior, visited Nakhon Phanom Province to monitor the preparedness for flood prevention and mitigation in the Mekong River basin, which covers Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. He emphasized the need for all agencies to integrate their work systematically and proactively, focusing not only on immediate problems but also encompassing preparedness before an event, assistance during a disaster, and post-flood recovery.