Mekong News: Mae Sai River rises, causing flooding in Tachilek

Mekong, July 2 In Tachilek city, Shan State, flooding is occurring around the Talok market due to the rising water level of the Mae Sai River, which flows along the border between the two countries, according to local residents. Following heavy rainfall that began on the evening of June 28, flash floods from the Nam Yawn River caused flooding in low-lying wards such as Wang Kaw, San Sain, and Pon Tun by the morning of July 1. Subsequently, on the morning of July 2, the Mae Sai River's water level rose and entered Tachilek city. "The silt from the Nam Yawn River has not yet been cleared, and now the Mae Sai River has become even larger. The river embankment is also ineffective. We are frustrated," said a resident of Pon Tun ward. It is understood that the Mae Sai River's water level did not rise yesterday, July 1, and it is only today that flash floods are flowing down. Municipal authorities have stated that dredging operations have been carried out on the four main rivers that flow through Tachilek city and cause flooding: the Nam Yawn River, the Mae Khong River, the San Sain River, and the Nain Nain River. Furthermore, based on an agreement between Myanmar and Thailand, emergency repairs and reinforcement of temporary earthen embankments and sandbags, extending 128 kilometers along the Mae Sai River, are underway. It is understood that Thailand is also negotiating with local residents to remove and clear 14 structures that are blocking the river. #MeKongNews #MaeSaiRiver #RisingWater #Tachilek #Flooding