Bangkok (VNA) – The water level in the Mekong River in Thailand’snortheastern province of Nakhon Phanom is rising by about 60-70cm per day.

Local media reported on August 19 thatthe water level has risen to about 7m, or about 6m below the spill-over pointon the river bank.

The water levels in the Mekong's maintributaries, including Nam Songkhram, Nam Oun and Nam Kam streams, are alsorising due to the rain, relieving the water shortage from a lengthy lack ofrain.

Farmers are now happy as their rice fieldshave survived the drought. However, the provincial authority has issued awarning for people in four districts along the Mekong River to take precautionsbecause the rising water level could cause bank erosion and damage buildingsand other structures.

The provincial office of public worksand country and town planning has been instructed to step up the repair of thebike lane along the Mekong River damaged during the drought.

Pumps have been installed at many spots to drain rainwater into the Mekong toprevent flooding of business districts, farmland and communities.

Last month, the water level in theMekong River in the province was only about 1.5m high, possibly the lowest levelin almost 100 years, about 11m below the spill-over point on the river bank.–VNA