Soldiers help locals as the Mekong River rises to critical level

NONG KHAI, Sept 3 (TNA) – The water in the Mekong River has risen to the critical level in the northeastern province of Nong Khai, prompting soldiers to help local residents move their belongings to higher ground. The Mekong River there on Monday is about 63 cm higher than its banks, overflowing into a low-lying community as rainfall continues and more norther run-off is flowing down. About 40 houses in the Muang Nong Khai municipality have been flooded. Soldiers assisted affected residents to move their electrical appliances and valuable belongings to higher ground. They also placed sand bags to prevent flood from entering homes. In Nakhon Phanom, the Mekong River nearly reached its banks, posing a worsening flood threat. Canals have already swollen, receiving floodwater from Sakhon Nakhon. About 300 houses and farmlands in Srisongkram district have been under one- metre water. (TNA)