VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): A tropical depression will pass over Laos until Aug 13, bringing thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds, putting some provinces at risk of flooding and landslides, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department has warned.
During Aug 9-10, thunderstorms and torrential rain with gusting winds can be expected in the southern provinces of Attapeu, Champassak, Xekong and Saravan.
During Aug 11-13, heavy rain and strong winds will affect the northern and central regions of Savannakhet, Khammuan, Borikhamxay, Vientiane, Xaysomboun, Luang Prabang, Xayaboury, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Huaphan and Xieng Khuang provinces and Vientiane.
People should prepare to move their belongings and animals to safe places in the event of flooding, and they should keep track of weather forecasts over the next few days.
The meteorology and hydrology station on the Mekong river in Luang Prabang province measured the river level at 10.44 metres on Aug 9, and it is predicted to rise to 10.60 metres on Aug 10 and to 10.87 metres on Aug 11.
The warning level at this point is 17.50 metres and the danger level is 18 metres.
In Savannakhet province, the level of the Mekong was measured at 4.78 metres on Aug 9 and it is forecast to rise to 4.97 metres on Aug 10 and to 5.04 metres on Aug 11. The warning level here is 12 metres and the danger level is 13 metres.
In Champassak province, the level of the Mekong was measured at 6.69 metres on Aug 9 and the forecast is a rise to 7.06 metres on Aug 10 and 7.23 metres on Aug 11.
The warning level in this area is 11 metres and the danger level is 12 metres.
