MRC launches channel to improve public awareness of flood, drought risks
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has launched a channel on Mekong flood and drought forecast to improve public awareness and understanding of the conditions in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB).
Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 H’Hen Nie helps promote the MRC Flood and Drought TV Channel. (Photo: mrcmekong.org)
Vientiane (VNA) - The Mekong River Commission(MRC) has launched a channel on Mekong flood and drought forecast to improvepublic awareness and understanding of the conditions in the Lower Mekong RiverBasin (LMB).
According to the commission, starting from July2023, the channel provides regular updates on current water levels, flows, andforecasted flood and drought risks for people living along the Mekong River. Broadcastin English with subtitles in Mekong languages, it runs every Monday during thisrainy season on the MRC Secretariat's social media channels of Facebook andYouTube.
The Mekong River experiences flooding every year, which canbring both positive and negative impacts to the LMB.
Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun, CEO of the Mekong River CommissionSecretariat, stated: "The MRC currently provides daily river monitoring,flood forecasting, flash flood guidance information, and drought forecasts tosupport member countries in managing risks. We are also working on droughtadaption measures. The launch of the MRC TV Channel on Flood and DroughtForecasting is a part of our continued efforts to bring updated and usefulinformation on flood and drought risks to people in the Basin in a moreaccessible way. We hope the channel, in addition to our website updates, can effectivelyreach millions more people living along the Mekong River."
H’Hen Nie, Miss Universe Vietnam 2017, who helped promotethe MRC Flood and Drought TV Channel, highlighted the importance of timelyupdates on drought and flooding, saying: “The Mekong Delta is known as the ricebowl of the region, so any drought or flooding in this area can have a directimpact on the lives of the people.”
The MRC is an intergovernmental organisation established in1995 to boost regional dialogue and cooperation in the LMB. Based on the MekongAgreement among Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, it serves as both aregional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub – to manage waterresources and support sustainable development of the region./.
Six Mekong countries have been urged to address regional low water flows as the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB) endures record lows for the second consecutive year, according to a Mekong River Commission (MRC) report.
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat and Facebook on August 31 launched a collaboration initiative to provide early flood alert and drought monitoring information to riparian communities and governments in the Lower Mekong region.
Vietnam has played an active role in the Mekong River Commission (MRC) since the mechanism’s inception, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the fourth MRC Summit in the Lao capital Vientiane on April 5 continues to express the country’s respect for the commission.
The fourth Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit, themed “'Innovation and Cooperation for a Water Secure and Sustainable Mekong”, issued the Vientiane Declaration before it wrapped up in the Lao capital on April 5.
The 4th Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit, themed “'Innovation and Cooperation for a Water Secure and Sustainable Mekong” concluded in Laos on April 5 after issuing the Vientiane Declaration which called for enhanced cooperation for sustainable Mekong River Basin.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 H’Hen Nie helps promote the MRC Flood and Drought TV Channel. (Photo: mrcmekong.org) 
