I. The Growing Flood Problem in the Asia-Pacific

Flooding is a big problem in many parts of the Asia-Pacific region, especially for countries near the Mekong River. Every year, floods cause major damage to homes, businesses, and farms. One recent example is Typhoon Yagi, which caused more than 800 million USD in damages in northern Thailand. This typhoon also affected areas in Laos and Myanmar, forcing many people to leave their homes and hurting local economies.

As the weather becomes more extreme due to climate change, we need better solutions to protect our communities from flooding.

II. Typhoon Yagi: A Warning for Better Flood Protection

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  The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has assessed the flooding in the north of the country caused by the remnants of Typhoon Yagi as the most severe in 80 years, causing about $811 million in economic losses.Accordingly, 60 manufacturing units that are members of the FTI in Chiang Rai province have been affected by the floods – including damage to factories, machinery, cars and office equipment.

• In Hanoi, Vietnam, the water level of the Red River was recorded at its highest level in 20 years. Rivers in the Red River and Thai Binh River basins – the largest river system in the North – also experienced floods, and large-scale flooding with many levels exceeding the threshold is also rare. According to statistics, 20/25 provinces and cities in the North experienced severe flooding.Regarding flash floods and serious landslides in the provinces of Cao Bang, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh… The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said the main cause was that the mountainous areas in the North had a lot of rain in the past 3 months, 40-60% higher than the average of many years.

• In Myanmar, at least 19 people have died after Cyclone Yagi brought heavy rain and flooding in and around the capital Naypyitaw. Rescuers said they had to use boats to evacuate about 3,600 people to safe areas. The Myanmar Meteorological Department said heavy rains caused by strong monsoons and the impact of Cyclone Yagi led to severe flooding in many areas across Myanmar, with the central region being the worst affected.

  

• Northern Laos has seen some of its worst flooding in recent years after Typhoon Yagi brought heavy rains that caused rivers to rise and overflow their banks in some areas. Authorities provided vehicles and other assistance to help people move their belongings and livestock out of the flooded areas.

This disaster makes it clear that we need stronger flood protection systems and better infrastructure to prevent such damage in the future.

III.Key Flood Protection Solutions to Keep Our Communities Safe

We must use modern technology to protect our communities from floods. Below are some key solutions that can help reduce flood risks and damage:

1. AI Smart River Disaster Control System: Managing Water Levels with AI

The AI Smart River Disaster Control System is a new technology that helps manage water levels in rivers. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor rivers in real time and automatically open or close sluice gates to control the flow of water. This system can detect when water levels are rising and prevent floods by releasing excess water in a safe and controlled way.

For example, if a system like this had been in place during Typhoon Yagi, it could have helped lower the water levels in rivers and reduced the flooding in affected areas. This technology helps protect communities and businesses before floods even happen.

>>> Read more about the solution: AI Smart River Disaster Control System

2.  Submersible Sewage Pumps: Removing Floodwater Quickly 

Submersible sewage pumps are built to handle large amounts of water. These pumps are used to move stormwater and sewage out of flooded areas quickly. By draining water efficiently, they help reduce the amount of time a community stays flooded, which limits damage to homes and infrastructure.

These pumps are easy to maintain and can be used in cities, farms, and factories. They are an important part of any flood management system and have been successfully used in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea to prevent and respond to floods.

>>> Read more about the solution: Submersible Sewage Pumps

3. Early-Warning Systems: Giving People Time to Prepare

Early-warning systems are essential for keeping people safe during floods. These systems use weather and geographic data to warn communities about possible floods. By sending out alerts early, they give people enough time to evacuate, protect their homes, or move important items to safety.

Investing in early-warning systems can save lives and reduce the damage caused by floods. They are especially important in areas where floods happen often, as they help people prepare for emergencies.

4. Improving Drainage Systems: Stopping Floods Before They Start

Many places experience severe flooding because their drainage systems are too old or not strong enough to handle heavy rains. Improving drainage systems is a simple but effective way to prevent flooding. When communities invest in modern drainage systems, they can channel excess water away from streets and buildings, reducing the risk of floods.

This is an important step that all communities can take to prevent flood damage and protect their infrastructure.

>>> Read more about the solution: Submersible Sewage Pumps

IV.Working Together to Build Safer Communities

Flood protection requires teamwork. Governments, businesses, and local communities must work together to find and use the best solutions. We can’t rely on one technology alone. Instead, we need to use AI-powered systems, submersible pumps, early-warning systems, and modern drainage infrastructure all together to provide the best protection.

By working together, we can make sure our communities are better prepared for future floods and reduce the damage these disasters cause.

V. Mekonglink’s Commitment to Long-Term Flood Protection

At Mekonglink, we believe in supporting communities by providing the best flood protection technology. We are not just about providing technology solutions, but also about the long-term development of communities, we are focused on solving local problems in Asia Pacific so we also provide training, education and support to help people raise awareness about flood prevention and projects to understand local issues and needs of communities here.

Flooding is becoming a bigger threat in the Asia-Pacific region. Governments, businesses, and community leaders need to take action now to protect their people and infrastructure. By investing in AI-based systems, early-warning technologies, and better drainage systems, we can reduce the risks of floods and save lives.

Contact us:

• Email: Community@mekonglink.asia
• Kakao Customer Center: Kakao Chatting 
• Direct Calls: (KR) +82-10-9365-7992 | (VN) +84-28-8886-8685