Residents of Non Sawan, a village located above the Ubonrat Dam in Khon Kaen Province, are bracing for the increasing water levels caused by a deluge that has filled the dam to its brim. The resultant flood is rapidly encroaching upon their rice fields and homes, and there are predictions of imminent submersion.
The situation in Non Sawan, situated in the Ubonrat district of Khon Kaen Province, is deeply concerning. The village, perched above the Ubonrat Dam reservoir, is witnessing a persistent rise in water levels, which is inundating rice fields and homes in the village’s vicinity. The water levels are escalating as tributaries continue to flow into the Ubonrat Dam reservoir.
In response to this crisis, the villagers of Non Sawan are uniting to harvest the rice cultivated in the rear of the village to prevent the newly grown grains from perishing in the floodwaters.
The water levels have been steadily rising for several days, submerging the low-lying rice fields. For those residing in higher areas, there is an urgent need to harvest the rice, even though it is not yet suitable for consumption.
A 68-year-old resident, Auan Suansamue, expressed his surprise at the unusually high volume of water this year. The water levels have been consistently rising for several days, submerging more than 20 acres of rice fields. Only a small section at the back of his village remains untouched, with just one month left until the rice would have been ready for harvest. The continuous rise in water levels has compelled him to harvest the newly grown grains, which will serve as food for his cattle and as seeds for the next rice planting season. He has already relocated his possessions to higher ground.
Wanphen reported that the flood has engulfed all her rice fields, necessitating the relocation of her valuables to a higher location as the water levels continue to rise on a daily basis.
