Nakhon Phanom steps up flood defences with Mekong near critical level
Water stood at 11.98 metres at 11.45am, two centimetres lower than in the morning, while the commercial district and main tourist sites remained accessible as normal.
- The Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom has reached a level of 11.98 meters, just two centimeters below its critical point of 12.00 meters.
- In response, the municipality has installed additional water pumps, prepared backflow barriers, and organized emergency supplies and personnel.
- Officials are confident that the main riverbank flood barrier, designed to withstand water levels above 15 meters, will protect the city's commercial and tourist areas, which remain open.
Nakhon Phanom province has ordered close monitoring of the Mekong River after its level reached 11.98 metres, close to the critical point.
Nakhon Phanom Municipality has installed pumps in preparation and is confident that its riverbank flood barrier can withstand water levels above 15 metres.
The province confirmed that the commercial district and main tourist sites remain accessible as normal.
The province is closely and continuously monitoring conditions in the Mekong and has outlined its monitoring and water-management preparedness plan to cope with the effects of continued rainfall accumulation in the area.
An on-site water-level measurement by disaster prevention and mitigation officials at 11.45am produced the following key readings:
- Current Mekong level: 11.98 metres, two centimetres lower than in the morning
- Critical level: 12.00 metres
- Floodgate closure threshold: 12.50 metres
Although the river has not reached the critical level, it is holding steady very close to the warning point, slowing the discharge of water from tributaries into the Mekong.
Further heavy rain could cause water to overflow and accumulate in low-lying areas and riverside farmland.
Nakhon Phanom Municipality’s disaster prevention and mitigation officials, working with relevant agencies, have taken the following proactive measures:
- Installing additional pumps at strategic locations to accelerate drainage from the city into the Mekong
- Putting controls and barriers in place to prevent backflow and stop Mekong water entering the city’s drainage system
- Preparing personnel and equipment by stockpiling sandbags and relief supplies and forming a rapid-response unit ready to assist residents immediately in an emergency
Flood barrier expected to hold; effects limited to low-lying areas as city centre remains safe
Chokdee Mangkalasee, deputy mayor of Nakhon Phanom Municipality, noted that although the Mekong was at a level requiring close monitoring, the municipality remained confident that the likelihood of the river overflowing and backing up into the city’s commercial district was low.
“Nakhon Phanom has a strong riverbank flood barrier designed to withstand water levels above 15 metres, so we are confident that we are fully prepared to cope if the water rises,” Chokdee Mangkalasee said.
At present, only a few low-lying locations, including some shops with basements and the Sawan Chai Khong Road section at the edge of the city, have begun experiencing standing water caused by slow drainage.
Commerce and tourism continue as normal
Nakhon Phanom province confirmed that localised standing water has not affected its overall economy, trade or tourism.
Residents and visitors can continue to travel, stay and visit key sites within Nakhon Phanom Municipality as normal.
