Tropical Storm Soulik Causes Heavy Rain in Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom, Sept 20 (TNA) – Tropical Storm Soulik has triggered heavy rainfall in Nakhon Phanom, prompting officials to rush water pumping operations into the Mekong River.
To mitigate the effects of the storm, the Nakhon Phanom Municipality has activated large-scale pumps at seven critical points. However, the high water level of the Mekong River, currently at 11.70 meters and only 30 centimeters below the critical level, has hindered the drainage process. If the rain continues, the pumps will operate 24 hours a day to prevent flooding in urban and commercial areas.
While there is a low risk of the Mekong River overflowing and inundating Nakhon Phanom town and four border districts (Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, Mueang Nakhon Phanom, and That Phanom) due to high riverbank protection, low-lying areas may still be affected.
Sri Songkram district has been the hardest hit as it is the confluence of the Un and Songkram rivers, which flow into the Mekong River at Tha Uthen district.
However, the high water level of the Mekong River has impeded drainage, causing flooding of over 50,000 rai of agricultural land. Some households in Sri Songkram district, have also been affected due to the area's low-lying terrain.
Nevertheless, residents in this area are accustomed to frequent flooding and have taken precautionary measures.
The Meteorological Department has established an operation center to monitor and track the situation of Tropical Storm Soulik in the upper South China Sea. It made landfall in central Vietnam yesterday.
After that, it will weaken and move to cover Thailand, which will cause increased rainfall in Thailand during September 19-23. There will be heavy to very heavy rain with strong winds across the country.
