Bueng Kan warns of heavy rainfall and is accelerating water release from reservoirs. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has declared flood disaster zones covering 5 districts and 257 villages.
On 30 Aug 2026 06:30 GMT+7, reporters noted that this morning all 8 districts of Bueng Kan province were covered by mist and light rain since early dawn, creating a cool and moist atmosphere. However, travel and outdoor activities might be somewhat difficult due to a monsoon trough moving across the northern and upper northeastern regions, entering a low-pressure area near Vietnam's northern coast and the Gulf of Tonkin.
In Bueng Kan province, Governor Suraphol Charoenphum ordered the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to warn residents across all 8 districts in advance about heavy to very heavy rain that could cause flash floods, mountain runoff, and waterlogging—especially in foothill areas near waterways and lowlands prone to repeated flooding. People are advised to avoid traveling in flood-prone routes, follow disaster prevention and mitigation plans, and ensure officials monitor risk zones 24/7. Personnel, equipment, machinery, tools, and vehicles must be ready to assist victims at all times, with close monitoring of news updates.
Mr. Sarayut Muangthong, director of the Bueng Kan Irrigation Project, reported that rainfall measured over the past week totaled 186.0 mm in the project area, with the highest at Huai Sahai reservoir in Bung Khla district. The Water Resources Information Institute recorded 159.6 mm, peaking in Bueng Khong Long municipality, Bueng Khong Long district. During this period, Mekong River water levels steadily decreased, allowing reservoir gates to be opened for drainage into the Mekong, reducing stored water and mitigating flooding impacts on downstream agricultural land, while preparing to receive new incoming water.
The Huai Kad sluice gate in Pak Kad district opened 5 gates, lifting them above water level; the Huai Bang Bad sluice gate in Chai Phon subdistrict, Mueang Bueng Kan district, opened 4 gates raised 50 cm above water; the Huai Kamphaeng sluice gate opened all 6 gates above water level to expedite drainage into the Mekong. Meanwhile, the Huai Sai sluice gate in So Phisai district, which manages inner area water and runoff from Huai Sai in Udon Thani and Nong Khai provinces, opened all 8 gates above water, releasing water into the Songkhram River.
The Bueng Kan Irrigation Project's Water Situation Analysis Center reported that two medium-sized reservoirs with total capacity of 4.360 million cubic meters currently hold 3.917 million cubic meters, or 89.83% capacity. Eight small reservoirs managed by the Royal Irrigation Department, with total capacity of 23.377 million cubic meters, currently hold 24.473 million cubic meters, equivalent to 104.68% capacity. Forty-four small reservoirs managed by local administrative organizations, with total capacity of 21.874 million cubic meters, currently hold 22.384 million cubic meters, or 102.33% capacity. In total, 54 reservoirs hold 50.774 million cubic meters, or 102.34% of total capacity.
The Bueng Kan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center has declared flood disaster zones caused by mid-month flooding in 5 districts: Seka, So Phisai, Bueng Khong Long, Pak Kad, and Mueang Bueng Kan. This covers 34 subdistricts and 257 villages, enabling government agencies, local administrative organizations, and related private sectors to provide timely assistance and relief within the affected areas.