As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis

As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis3-MIN READ3-MIN0ListenPublished: 8:31pm, 13 Aug 2026Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves for difficult days ahead as authorities warn persistent heavy rains may bring flash floods.Each year monsoon rains bring extensive flooding across the region.Environmental campaigners say the damage is exacerbated by changing weather patterns and deforestation, as well as the string of dams across arterial rivers – like the Mekong – and smaller tributaries that alter the natural water flow and drainage.Select VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x