Nakhon phanom: The Un and Songkhram rivers remain in a critical state, exceeding their capacity and flooding nearly 100,000 rai of rice fields. The water situation in Nakhon Phanom province remains dire, with major tributaries overflowing their capacity and causing significant agricultural damage. Officials are urgently surveying the damage and providing assistance and compensation. Meanwhile, the irrigation department is urgently opening the floodgates at the mouth of the Un River to release water into the Mekong River at full capacity.
According to Thai News Agency, although the Mekong River level has been decreasing by 10 centimeters per day due to the cessation of rainfall over the past 2-3 days, it is currently at 9.60 meters, 2.40 meters below the critical monitoring level of 12 meters. Preparations are still underway to reinforce water pumps in all border districts along the Mekong River to cope with potential heavy rainfall and prevent flooding due to drainage problems.
Main tributaries, including the Un and Songkhram rivers in the districts of Sri Songkhram, Nathom, Nahwa, and Tha Uthen, are still in a critical situation. Water levels exceed their capacity, overflowing banks and flooding low-lying areas, including agricultural land and rice fields. The Nakhon Phanom Provincial Agricultural Office reported that over 98,000 rai of rice paddies in the province have been affected. The Si Songkhram district is the worst affected due to the confluence of the Un and Songkhram rivers. Over 52,000 rai of rice paddies have been flooded there, followed by Na Thom district with approximately 22,000 rai.
The Nakhon Phanom Irrigation Department is urgently opening sluice gates to their full capacity to drain water into the Mekong River. If the water level decreases within 1-2 weeks, the damage might be lessened. However, further heavy rain could exacerbate the impact. Relevant agencies are currently assessing damage to provide compensation according to government regulations at a rate of 2,240 baht per rai, up to a maximum of 30 rai per family.