Mekong levels to drop due to Jinghong power station testing
Water levels in the Mekong River that traverses Cambodia, Thailand, and Lao PDR are expected to drop due to outflows from China’s Jinghong hydropower station, which would be decreased by more than 50 per cent for dam equipment testing from January 1-4, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) said.
“In Cambodia, the water levels along the Mekong River in Stung Treng, Kratie, Kompong Cham, Phnom Penh, Koh Khel and Neak Luong will drop from 0.02-0.25m from January 15-18,” the MRC said on Tuesday.
Navigation along the Mekong River, especially for those near the Jinghong station, may be affected during this period, said Sothea Khem, the MRC Secretariat’s River Forecasting Specialist.
“Some local livelihood activities such as river weed harvesting may also be disrupted. The tests come at a time when the Mekong countries are experiencing severe drought,” he said.
Ry Sochan
