Mekong Set to Rise Close to Danger Level

Source: Vientiane Times

The Mekong River will continue to rise to close to the danger level after several days of heavy and light rain, with people living along its banks being warned to stay alert and to prepare to move if necessary.

According to the Meteorology and Hydrology Department, the level of the Mekong River at the Km 4 point in Vientiane was recorded at 8.85 metres on August 8.

The level is forecast to rise from 9.86 metres on August 9 to 10.5 metres on August 10, and continue to 11.92 metres on August 11.

A level of 11.92 metres will be above the warning level of 11.50 metres, and close to the danger level of 12.50 metres.

On August 9, the river overflowed its banks and slowly flooded some low-lying areas in Sithantay village of Hadxaifong district in Vientiane.

Local residents said some households have been moving their property to higher ground and safer places.

The authorities are keeping a close eye on the Mekong river and its tributaries since the water levels are expected to rise over the next few days.

Heavy and light rain has been forecast across the country, and this is expected to result in a rise in the level of the Mekong and its main tributaries.

The level of the Mekong river in Pakxan district of Borikhamxay province was recorded at 10.46 metres on August 9, with the warning level here set at 13.50 metres, and the danger level of 14.50.

In Luang Prabang city, the level of the Mekong river is expected to rise from 14.33 metres on August 10 to 14.43 on August 11, and there could be light rain in this area.

The level of the Mekong river in Luang Prabang city is still under the warning level of 17.50 metres and the danger level of 18 metres.

The Mekong river had risen to 10.75 metres in Thakhek district of Khammuan province, with the warning level there set at 13 metres and the danger level at 14 metres.

The Meteorology and Hydrology Department said rain is forecast for the northern, southern and central areas of Laos during August 9-15, and this is expected to result in rising levels of the Mekong and its main tributaries.

The department advised its officials to pay close attention to their work and issue flood warnings when necessary, so that people in at-risk areas can be prepared and the effects of flooding mitigated.

There are plans to increase the number of meteorology and hydrology stations in all districts of the country so that warning systems and weather forecasts are more efficient.

More monitoring stations will enable better coordination with local officials when floods occur or are likely, the department said.

Photo by Lattanaphan