Aerial photography and photogrammetry - based on new coverage - is time consuming and expensive and takes time to mobilize. In order to assess the viability of derivation of flood data by satellite and contour data the potential of using Radarsat imagery for more precise hypsographic data has been investigated. Although efforts of the project to obtain and process Radarsat images for the 1997 flood have not been successful, ample attention is given to further assess the viability of the method.

At present, flood forecasting is carried out only during the monsoon season using the Streamflow Synthesis and Reservoir Regulation (SSARR) model that MRC has been using since early 1970s. It was developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and it has been reviewed in an earlier consultancy report. Essentially, it consists of three sub-models, namely, riverflow synthesis, river routing and reservoir routing and it operates from synoptic data received from 41 rainfall and 35 water level stations located in the LMB. The model has served a useful purpose for some 25 years with a forecasting accuracy of 10%–15% but requires urgent updating using the median concepts of river modelling.

Mathematical simulation models can be very useful in evaluating the effects of reservoirs and their operation on the Mekong River floods. In general, flood forecasting models are of great help in improving the operation of reservoirs and avoiding unnecessary spilling of water. Mathematical models can also lead to an improved understanding of the flood phenomena and provide insight into the causes of flooding. In this manner, more appropriate measures can be taken to reduce flood damage.

Several models are presently commercially available in flood forecasting and management models, and several have been proposed to replace the existing SSARR model. The replacement of the existing model will provide an unique opportunity for the MRC staff in Bangkok and the DOI staff in each MRC country to be trained in the use of the selected state-of-the-art flood forecasting and management model. Transfer of technology is essential to the MRC countries at the turn of the century. Further details on model upgrading or replacement are included in studies undertaken by Delft Hydraulics and hopefully will lead to concise proposals and resources to assist the MRC in this important task.

The benefits of the flood protection works need to be further evaluated in terms of increased crop production and in reducing the areas subject to regular flooding, and also the negative environmental effects in relation to the ecological value of wetlands and the increased risks of flood hazards in adjacent areas.

Investments in gates and protection dikes will provide long-term solutions for more durable protection of agricultural lands and infrastructure. In addition to local investment studies, a flood management plan will be required to assess the effectiveness of flood investment works and to provide a basis for identifying and prioritizing essential investments for rehabilitation and construction of flood control and other water management infrastructure.

The flood control works carried out under EU financing in the Vientiane Prefecture may serve as an example of the beneficial effects of flood control: farming and social patterns changed - houses previously built on stilts or located on higher ground are now constructed at ground level and cropping has changed from mainly flood resistant rice to rice and other crops (vegetables, tree and other crops). However risks have become more significant as any dike breach will result in considerable losses, especially as the area is surrounded by a dike, making drainage more difficult.

Protection works are needed all along the Mekong River to protect the low lying agricultural areas that are inundated by each flood. Furthermore, an important additional benefit of flood protection works is the potential for retention of water for irrigation in the dry season. The DOI has built several flood protection structures such as flood dikes and flood control gates along the Mekong and some of its tributaries, but their overall effect on the annual loss of paddy and other crops appears to be negligible so far. Therefore, a flood protection project in Laos deserves top priority.

Where needed technical and financial assistance can be provided to assist the local communities in the realization of flood mitigation measures. At district and village level, communities should be encouraged in the implementation of self-help flood control projects making use of the considerable local knowledge and traditional technologies.

Furthermore, to compensate recurrent losses. farmers need to be encouraged to diversify agricultural production and to extend their production basis to irrigated crops during the dry season.

Irrigation provides an optimal means to stabilize and broaden the production basis of the small holder farmer and constitutes an alternative against the vagaries of the monsoon season. However, public irrigation development has been problematic in Laos and many of the medium and large scale irrigation schemes have proved uneconomic and not sustainable.

Dams are rising all along the Mekong. The people of Southeast Asia need the clean electricity—but also the fish and rice that an undammed river provides.