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Lekima has brought heavy downpours to the region since Tuesday night causing the Mekong River to rise.

Ban Thung Kliang farmer Somsri Thongon reported that a threekilometre portion of the road and a nearby weir were damaged by flooding.

Natal district chief Mahannop Kanjanawijit said he had instructed officials to assess the damage to monitor water levels in the Mekong, which was rising dangerously, and had already flooded some local farms. Mahannop said his district officials would provide assistance in moving people's belongings to higher grounds in case of evacuation.

Nakhon Panom Governor Boonsanong Boonmee warned residents in Muang Nakhon Phanom, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Thom, Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, and That Phanom districts of flash floods and high winds.

The province was already soaked by heavy rains disrupting transport, while lowlying homes and roads were flooded. Gusting winds had also damaged three billboards.

In Roi Et, the storm caused flooding in Muang Municipality yesterday (thurs) leaving many city rods under 40 centimetres of water. Roi Et Governor Pinij Pichayakal ordered officials to inspect risky areas along the Chi and Yung rivers to warn people about possible floods and to prepare for evacuation.

Earlier, weather forecaster Oranuch Thongsri at the Northeastern Meteorology Centre warned that the storm, now centred in Nong Khai province, was moving westwards at 10 km/hr and would be downgraded to a depression late yesterday.

Heavy rains were expected in many areas including Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakol Nakhon, Nakhon Panom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Amnat Charoen and Ubol Ratchathani.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Region 6 chief Chaipan Homwisetwongsa said he had dispatched officials to pump water from some areas and to organise flatbottom boats and dried food to be ready around the clock to tackle potential problems.

As Loei, Nong Khai and Nong Bua Lamphu had mountainous areas prone to forest runoffs and landslides, he had instructed officials to monitor the situation in their jurisdiction and check if the disaster warning system in the area were working properly.

The Nation