The Mekong River in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, rises after days of heavy rain. - VT
VIENTIANE: The Mekong River in Vientiane is expected to reach flood level on July 30, following days of heavy rain driven by a strong low-pressure system and the southwest monsoon, according to the Mekong River Commission.
Water levels at the Km4 hydrological station in Sisattanak district, along with the Nong Khai and Pakse stations, reached alarm levels on July 29 and are forecast to continue rising.
From July 30 to Aug 3, the river is likely to reach the flood level in Vientiane and in Nong Khai, which is a few kilometres downstream in Thailand.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said persistent rainfall, thunderstorms and occasional strong winds will persist across the country.
River levels at other stations in Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Khong Chiam, Pakse and Stung Treng are also projected to approach or exceed alarm levels in the coming days.
According to the department’s latest report, several rivers have already risen past or near warning thresholds.
In Bolikhamxay province, the Kading River was measured at 13.55 metres in Paksan district, just above the warning level of 13.5m. In Savannakhet province, the Xechamphon River measured 7.77m in Champhon district, close to the flood level of 8m.
In Salavan, the Xedon River rose to 10.76m in Khongxedon district, above the 10m warning level, while in Champasak province, the Mekong was measured at 10.84 metres in Pakse, nearing the flood warning threshold of 11m.
Authorities are advising people living near rivers and in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, as continuous rainfall could lead to more flash floods or prolonged inundation over the next one to two days.
The warning comes as Laos is still reeling from damage caused by Storm Wipha, which brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to northern and central provinces last week.
The National Disaster Management Committee and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare reported that four people died, six others were injured, and four people remain missing as a result of the storm.
The storm passed through 34 districts and 262 villages, affecting nearly 15,000 households. A total of 2,249 houses were impacted, including 183 that were completely destroyed.
Floodwaters also damaged 2,000 hectares of farmland, power lines, schools, roads, irrigation systems, health centres and vehicles.
In Khammuan province, people affected by flooding in Khounkham district are in urgent need of rice, drinking water, dried food and medicine. Local disaster response teams are assisting with evacuations and providing boats to move residents and their belongings to safer areas. - Vientiane Times/ANN
