Heavy Rain, Wind Gusts To Lash Laos This Week
Source: Vientiane Times
Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and gusting winds will pass over Laos from September 23-26, putting some provinces at risk of flooding and landslides, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department has warned.
From September 23-25, torrential rain and squalls can be expected in the southern and central provinces including Attapeu, Champassak, Xekong, Saravan and Savannakhet, while flooding and fallen trees are also possible in these areas.
From September 24-26 heavy rain and strong winds will affect northern and central regions, with flooding and landslides possible in Savannakhet, Khammuan, Borikhamxay, Vientiane province, Xaysomboun, Luang Prabang, Xayaboury, Bokeo and Vientiane.
People living in mountainous areas and on riverbanks should prepare to move their belongings and animals to safe places in the event of flooding and should keep track of weather forecasts.
The department also said the level of the Mekong and other large rivers around the country had risen because of heavy rain in recent days.
In Luang Prabang province the level of the Mekong was measured at 9.76 metres on September 22 and was forecast to rise to 9.88 metres on September 23 and 9.96 metres on September 24. The warning level is 17.5 metres and the danger level is 18 metres.
In Vientiane, the level of the Mekong at km4 was measured at 4.88 metres on September 22 but is forecast to rise to 5.08 metres on September 23 and 5.5 metres on September 24. The warning level is 11.5 metres and the danger level is 12.5 metres.
In Savannakhet province, the level of the Mekong was measured at 4.16 metres on September 22 and was forecast to drop to 4.06 metres on September 23 and 4.04 metres on September 24. The warning level is 12 metres and the danger level is 13 metres.
Thailand’s Meteorology Department has forecast scattered to widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy rain in provinces close to Laos, namely Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom from September 23-26.
From September 27-28 the department has forecast scattered thundershowers with temperatures of 22-34°C while winds will be southwesterly with a speed of 10-20 km/hour, according to the department’s website.
