Gabion boxes packed with rocks are dropped to fill in the collapsed embankment of the Phong River in Khon Kaen to prevent flooding in the province's economic zones. (Photo by Jakkrapan Nathanri)Officials expect a two-day struggle to prevent water from the Phong River rushing through a collapsed section of embankment and flooding economic areas in downtown Khon Kaen. Deputy Royal Irrigation Department chief Thongpleo Thongchan said officials must completely seal the breach in the embankment and stop the overflow because "it is an important spot to prevent flooding in Khon Kaen's inner city". Water levels in the Phong River have been rising for weeks, ever since officials released a huge amount of water from the dangerously over-full Ubolratana dam. The discharge impacted provinces located downstream, including Khon Kaen and Kalasin.

Source: Bangkok Post October 30, 2017 03:33 UTC