Mae Sai River Water Level Remains at Warning Level in Tachileik, Further Rise Possible Within 12 Hours

Mekong, August 2 The water level of the Mae Sai River, which flows through Tachileik town in eastern Shan State, continues to be at the warning level of 390 centimeters as of the measurement taken at 9:30 AM on August 2nd. Residents in low-lying areas and near the river have been alerted to remain vigilant, as the river's water level could rise again within the next 12 hours. Although the Mae Sai River's water level had dropped below the warning level yesterday, continuous rainfall since last night has caused mountain runoff to flow back into the river, leading to a sudden increase in water levels. "Due to the heavy rain, mountain runoff from other streams is also flowing in, bringing sediment. This sediment has accumulated on the riverbed, causing the water level to rise further and leading to more flooding in roads and houses. Although efforts are underway to clear the sediment in the town, the flooding is expected to continue as long as the rain persists," a Tachileik resident told Mekong. Due to heavy rainfall, mountain runoff is flowing into the Nam Yoon River, Mae Khong River, San Sai River, and Nai Nai River, which pass through Tachileik town. In addition, the rising water level of the Mae Sai River has caused flooding in many neighborhoods. In areas where the water has receded, municipal authorities, local residents, and relief organizations are working to clear the accumulated sediment. Furthermore, due to heavy rainfall last night, a landslide occurred on a house in the staff housing area of Wan Kaw Ward, causing a bamboo grove's roots to be uprooted and crush the house. However, no casualties were reported among the residents, according to a local resident. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology announced that the Mae Sai River water level in Lwe Taw Kham village, Tachileik city, remains at the warning level and is predicted to rise slightly within the next 12 hours. Therefore, residents living near the Mae Sai River and in low-lying areas have been advised to continue to be aware of the risks of flooding and landslides.