Mekong river level critically low 20 published : 8 Mar 2021 at 11:36 20 A sandy beach in Nakhon Phanom's Muang district testifies to the low water level of the Mekong River. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai) NAKHON PHANOM: The Mekong River is currently only a little over one metre deep as it flows through this northeastern border province, posing a threat of severe drought during the dry season. Officials said the river level is dropping faster than in recent years due to the construction of dams in neighbouring Laos and low rainfall in catchment areas. Water levels in three main tributaries - the Nam Kam, Nam Songkhram and Nam Un rivers - is now at 10%-20% of their capacities, causing shortages of water for agriculture.