As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves…

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves for difficult days ahead as authorities warn persistent heavy rains may bring flash floods.

Each year monsoon rains bring extensive flooding across the region.

Environmental campaigners say the damage is exacerbated by changing weather patterns and deforestation, as well as the string of dams across arterial rivers – like the Mekong – and smaller tributaries that alter the natural water flow and drainage.

Unverified images from Laos circulating on Thai television news showed torrents of water spewing over a dam spillway, as residents cowered on rooftops awaiting rescue from rising waters.

Aerial footage showed vast tracts of land completely submerged, while flash floods rushing through the mountainous terrain ripped up roads and bridges.

The Mekong River as seen from the intersection of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Photo: Rivers and Rights

In Laos, a resource crunch following a months-long fuel and inflation crisis has compounded the inability of civil society to help overstretched and under-equipped government rescue efforts.

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