Disaster Prevention Department Alerts Four Mekong River Provinces to Monitor Rising Water Levels and Possible Flooding

The Disaster Prevention Department has issued a warning to four Mekong River provinces—Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan—to monitor the rising water levels in the Mekong River, which are expected to increase from 1 to 6 September 2026, potentially causing riverbank flooding, especially in low-lying areas. They have emphasized preparing machinery and support personnel around the clock.

On 1 September 2026, Mr. Theerapat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Center (CDPMOC) has been informed by the National Water Resources Office (NWRO), which monitors the Mekong River situation, that the influence of a monsoon trough and the southwest monsoon has caused heavy rainfall in the upper region, along with increased rainfall in southern China. Additionally, the southwest monsoon covering Thailand and Laos has caused the Mekong River water levels to continue rising.

It is expected that the Mekong River water level in the provinces of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan will rise approximately 2.0 to 4.8 meters, with the following areas requiring close monitoring:

• Nong Khai Station Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai Province, is expected to exceed critical levels between 2 and 4 September 2026, with the highest water level anticipated on 4 September 2026, surpassing the critical level by about 0.28 meters.
• Bueng Kan Station Mueang Bueng Kan District, Bueng Kan Province, is forecasted to exceed critical levels from 2 to 5 September 2026, with the peak water level expected on 5 September 2026, about 1.22 meters above the critical threshold.

Areas expected to experience riverbank flooding and waterlogging, especially the low-lying areas along the Mekong River, include:

- Nong Khai Province (Mueang District, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, Tha Bo, Phon Phisai, and Rattanawapi districts)

- Bueng Kan Province (Mueang Bueng Kan, Pak Khat, Bung Khla, and So Phisai districts)

- Nakhon Phanom Province (Mueang District, Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, and That Phanom districts)

- Mukdahan Province (Mueang District, Wan Yai, and Don Tan districts)

Mr. Theerapat added that to prepare for the situation, the CDPMOC has instructed provincial authorities and regional disaster prevention centers to closely monitor the Mekong River and its tributaries’ water levels. They must prepare disaster machinery, operational vehicles, and support personnel 24 hours a day. If the situation worsens or expands, an Emergency Response Team (ERT) with resources must be stationed at the provincial command center to rapidly manage and assist the public.

They have also ordered the provinces to warn residents living along the Mekong River, in low-lying, and flood-prone areas to closely follow water level updates and official announcements, prepare to move belongings to higher ground, and be ready to relocate to safe areas if conditions worsen. Authorities will disseminate information through social media, public announcement speakers, local radio, and community leaders to ensure accurate and timely information reaches the public.

Residents can stay updated and receive warnings through the "THAI DISASTER ALERT" application. Those affected by disasters can report incidents and request assistance via the LINE account "DDPM Incident Reporting 1784" and the 24-hour safety hotline 1784.

Information courtesy of the Facebook page of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).