Locust outbreak hits Luang Prabang

Pest attack: Plants in Luang Prabang province infested with locusts. — Vientiane Times/ANN

MANY hectares of trees and crops in Luang Prabang province have been ravaged by yellow-spined bamboo locusts and armyworms, prompting authorities to spray chemicals to prevent further destruction of the vegetation.

The Deputy Director of Luang Prabang’s Agriculture and Forestry Department, Sivone Vongkhamchanh, told Vientiane Times on Monday the locusts first appeared on March 23 in the six districts of Nambak, Viengkham, Ngoy, Phonxay, Phonthong and Pakxaeng.