The Mekong river in the north eastern Thai province of Amnat Charoen has overflowed and submerged several villages on 31 July 2014, damaging over 1,000 houses. The province was later declared disaster zone amid the possibility of more floods.
Some areas are said to be under 1 metre of water. The National News Bureau of Thailand report that governor of the province, Weerawat Chuenwaring, declared it the worst flooding seen in Amnat Charoen for 30 years.
Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Meanwhile the flood situation in the neighbouring province of Ubon Ratchathani appears to be easing, at least for 11 of the affected 17 flood-affected districts. Heavy monsoon rainfall led to widespread flooding in the province last week, prompting authorities to declare a disaster zone in 17 districts.
Mekong River in Cambodia
Further downstream, there is alarm at the level of the Mekong river in Cambodia. Yesterday the Cambodian Prime Minister warned of possible floods in all Cambodian provinces along the river. He told local authorities to be ready to evacuate those people living close to the river and to prepare for flood emergencies. As many as 168 people died in floods in Cambodia last year, and a total of 1.8 million were affected. At least 250 people died in the floods of 2011.
