Two relentless days of torrential rain have transformed parts of the serene Nong Khai province into a sprawling aquatic maze, with floodwaters rising up to 2 metres in some areas. In a bid to safeguard their homes, residents have been propelled into action, stacking sandbags and relocating vehicles to higher ground.
According to the Nong Khai Mekong Hydrological Cycle Observation Station, the mighty Mekong River swelled to an alarming 13.67m by Saturday morning. This marks a 57cm surge in just a single day, putting it 1.47m above the flood threshold, thanks to the recent deluge.
The station’s forecasters have delivered a sobering prognosis: with non-stop rain anticipated until Monday, water levels are expected to keep climbing, posing a grave threat to the province’s bustling economic centre.
The cause of this watery chaos? None other than Typhoon Yagi, a fierce storm that has wreaked havoc across Southeast Asia, from the Philippines to Myanmar, leaving a trail of destruction and numerous fatalities in its wake. In northern Thailand, areas like Chiang Rai have witnessed the worst inundations in years.
In Nong Khai, the inundation has drowned some regions under more than a metre of water. In response, the local population has been quick to move their vehicles to higher ground and build fortifications around their homes with sandbags.
Rescue workers, equipped with flat-bottomed boats, have been dispatched to provide critical aid, ferrying resources to hospital staff and aiding affected residents.
The military and provincial livestock officials have also joined the relief efforts, constructing barriers and transferring farm animals to more secure locations.
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring province of Bueng Kan, the Mekong has ominously reached its peak level for the year, cresting over 13m and posing a severe risk to four districts. The situation in tambon Pak Khat is particularly harrowing, with depths ranging from 10 to 50cm of water already submerging many areas.
As communities brace themselves for the relentless rise of floodwaters, the spirit of resilience shines through. United in the face of adversity, they continue to safeguard their homes and livelihoods, exemplifying strength and perseverance during these challenging times.
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