Mukdahan province is preparing flood prevention plans as the water level of the local Mekong River is now at 10.62 meters, lower than its critical level by only 1.88 meters.
According to the measurements of the Mekong water level on August 1st, 2008, by the province’s hydrology center, the river’s water level is lower than its critical point of 12.50 meters by just 1.88 meters. Mukdahan Governor Praneet Boonmee says that the high water level combined with heavy rain from last week are likely to cause flash floods.
The governor said that the province is asking residents along the riverbanks to construct sand bag barriers to prevent floods and keep abreast of weather forecasts. At the same time, the province has prepared aid centers, supplies, and evacuation plans in case of flash floods.
As for the long-term solution to flooding in Mukdahan, the governor says the province is surveying suitable places for the construction of a reservoir to store water flowing in from China, as well as a dyke to prevent the Mekong riverbanks from overflowing.
Source: The Royal Thai Government
