The ebb and flow of the Mekong river in Nakhon Phanom province has always held a rhythm for the locals; a natural cycle they’ve graciously lived with for centuries. Yet, in recent times, this rhythm has been interrupted. The bounteous Mekong river is receding at a significant pace, dropping 10-20 centimetres a day. Its depth, as per Monday morning’s readings, stood at 10.70 metres, a whole 1.30 metres below the overflow point.
As a hub for phlegmatic local life and a lifeline for agriculture in the region, these fluctuations hold prominence. The current undulations in the river level bring not only a sigh of relief but also a glimmer of hope for Nakhon Phanom, a serene northeastern border province of Thailand.
Local authorities now see a silver lining, a faster pace for water drainage from thousands of rai of flooded rice fields. The mighty Mekong’s retreat welcomes these prospects, which several officials from the Irrigation department confirm. They report a considerable decline in water levels, allowing them to expedite the much-needed relief measures.
Yet, it’s not all calm waters here. While the Mekong retreats, its three main tributaries- the Nam Oon, Nam Songkhram, and Huay Bang Ko rivers – dare to defy the norm. Water levels in these tributaries presently see a surge, 20 to 30% higher than their regular capacities.
The local irrigation office is not deterred by these odds. They tirelessly strive to drain as much water as possible from nearly 10,000 rai of rice fields that are currently underwater. Initial estimates suggest that about 5,000 rai of the flooded rice crop could bear the brunt of the damage.
The routine of the Mekong and its tributaries shapes life in these northeastern lands. It feeds the fields, nurtures the agriculture, and supports the people, playing an irreplaceable role in their socio-economic fabric. Even the smallest changes can reverberate through the farming community and create lasting impacts. Thus, the ebbing Mekong and surging tributaries present a compelling tale of resilience and adaptation amid tampering rhythms. As the people of Nakhon Phanom stare at the receding riverbed, they brace themselves for the pattern that may emerge with the mounting tributaries.
Be First to Comment