VIENTIANE: Thousands of people in several provinces are suffering from flooding after heavy rain in recent days has inundated their communities.
Huayxai district in Bokeo province, Xaybuathong district in Khammuan province, and Pakxaeng district in Luang Prabang province have all been affected by varying degrees of flooding that occurred on Monday (July 14) and Tuesday (July 15) this week.
Flooding in Xaybuathong district was the second time in the last five days that people’s homes were inundated, with more than 400 households in 25 villages affected.
Floods affected an area of 535 hectares and eight roads were impassable, the Lao Security News reported.
On Monday, 16 households in Yai village, Huayxai district, Bokeo province, also suffered the effects of prolonged heavy rainfall.
Farmland was submerged and some roads were impassable, but water levels have now returned to normal, according to local authorities.
In Pakxaeng district, five houses were inundated this week and roads were damaged by floodwater. Local authorities are moving people to higher ground, a Luang Prabang provincial official said.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department has warned that more heavy rain is forecast throughout the country from July 16-20 with flooding and landslides possible in many areas.
In Khammuan province, the level of the Xebangfay River has risen above the danger level.
It was measured at 19.54 metres on July 16, but it is predicted to drop to 19.42 metres on July 17 and drop further to 19.25 metres on July 18.
The warning level is 17.5 metres and the danger level is 18.5 metres.
Authorities warn everyone to follow forecasts regularly and be prepared for weather extremes. - Vientiane Times/ANN
