China · Nation Thailand
Five Mekong provinces warned as Laos dam raises discharge
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Authorities have warned five northeastern provinces to prepare for a sharp rise in the Mekong River after the Nam Theun 1 hydropower dam in Laos increased its discharge following persistent monsoon rain.
Key facts
- The Office of the National Water Resources said water levels along the Thai side of the Mekong could rise by about 60 centimetres to 1.3 metres between July 17 and 20.
- Continuous heavy rain associated with the monsoon has raised the volume of water in the Nam Theun 1 reservoir in Laos.
- Information received from the Lao authorities on July 16 showed that the dam would adjust its discharge through the spillway from July 17.
- The initial discharge was set at about 200 cubic metres per second before being gradually increased to between 1,000 and 2,500 cubic metres per second.
Summary
The Office of the National Water Resources said water levels along the Thai side of the Mekong could rise by about 60 centimetres to 1.3 metres between July 17 and 20.
The warning covers Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani, particularly low-lying communities close to the riverbank.