Water
Water resources
Cambodia’s China-backed canal on Mekong may threaten ‘fragile ecosystems’
A Chinese-backed canal in Cambodia is likely to put “fragile” ecosystems at risk, researchers in China and Britain have warned, calling for better mitigation efforts. The Funan Techo canal, a 180km (112-mile) project to link the Mekong River to the Gulf of Thailand, is a flagship project expected ...
Leopold Chen
AI forecasts: Can Southeast Asia rise above the Mekong floods?
As the Mekong River flows through Southeast Asia, it shapes the region’s life, culture, and landscape. But in 2024, the river’s familiar presence has taken a more daunting turn. Torrential rains fueled by Typhoon Yagi, combined with a relentless monsoon season, have unleashed severe flooding ...
Anoulak Kittikhoun, the CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat
Cambodia hopes a new canal will boost trade. But it risks harming the Mekong that feeds millions
PREK TAKEO, Cambodia (AP) — The Mekong River is a lifeline for millions in the six countries it traverses on its way from its headwaters to the sea, sustaining the world’s largest inland fishery and abundant rice paddies on Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Cambodia’s plan to build ...
ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL
Record-breaking floods in northern Thailand intensify scrutiny of Mekong dam project
In the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, communities in northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province are taking stock of the toll wreaked by heavy rains and rising rivers. At least 33 people lost their lives in the country since mid-August amid hazardous conditions that devastated riverside homes, businesses and ...
Carolyn Cowan
Mekong River levels recede below crisis point
NAKHON PHANOM, Thailand – Authorities in Nakhon Phanom are closely monitoring Typhoon Yagi, though the situation remains under control for now, September 8. Water levels in the Mekong River have been steadily decreasing, currently standing at 9.20 meters, approximately 3 meters below the critical threshold, allowing the ...
Pattaya Mail
Cambodia starts work on canal linking Mekong River to sea
Cambodia has launched a controversial canal project to link the Mekong River to the sea. Work on the $1.7bn project kicked off on Monday. Phnom Penh hopes the canal will boost the country’s economy. However, concern over the impact on the region’s environment and foreign relations ...
Al Jazeera and news agencies
Mekong Delta expects higher floods this season
HCM CITY – The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta is entering its annual flooding season and many rice farmers in upstream provinces have opened their field sluices to let the floodwaters and aquatic creatures in. The floods are caused by the rising level of the Mekong River ...
Viet Nam News
China says Mekong dam did not discharge water downstream amid heavy flooding in Thailand
China said on Tuesday a major dam on the Mekong River did not discharge floodwaters last week amid heavy flooding in Thailand. Monsoon rains across large areas in Thailand have caused extensive flooding that has killed at least nine people and affected more than 51,700 households, ...
Meredith Chen
Cambodia will not negotiate over Funan Techo canal: Hun Sen
Cambodia’s leader Hun Sen has said that his country would not negotiate with Vietnam over the planned Funan Techo canal, despite concerns about its environmental and geopolitical impacts. A group of Vietnamese experts suggested last week that Hanoi should ask Phnom Penh to delay the project ...
RFA Staff
Where Have All the Mekong River’s Fish Gone?
The Mekong was once a river teeming with fish, providing food security for millions of poor farmers as well urban centers. These days, that river of abundance has disappeared, replaced by forlorn fishers who say they’re lucky if they can secure a catch at all, ...
Tom Fawthrop