More Heavy Rain Expected Countrywide

Source: Vientiane Times

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusting winds will prevail across Laos from October 13-19, while flooding and landslides are possible in some areas from October 13-16, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has warned.

In the northeast, temperatures will range from 16-25 degrees Celsius and there will be thunderstorms and light rain from October 13-17 in Phongsaly and Huaphan provinces.

From October 13-19, the central provinces of Vientiane, Borikhamxay and Khammuan will have thunderstorms with rainfall of varying intensity and gusting winds, and temperatures ranging from 23-31C.

Conditions will be similar in the northwest in Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces, where temperatures will range from 23-31C.

Vientiane can expect thunderstorms with heavy rain and strong winds, and temperatures ranging from 24-34C.

In the south there will be heavy rain with squalls and thunderstorms in some areas of Champassak, Xekong and Attapeu provinces. Temperatures will range from 24-31C.

People should avoid spending time outdoors during thunderstorms and in high winds and stay away from large trees, unsound buildings and billboards. Everyone should be prepared for weather extremes and follow forecasts issued by the Meteorology and Hydrology Department.

In Luang Prabang province, the hydrology station on the Mekong River measured the river level at 8.95 metres on October 12. It is predicted to fall to 8.84 metres on October 13 and to 8.8 metres on October 14 and is well below the warning level of 17.5 metres and the danger level of 18 metres.

In Vientiane, the level of the Mekong at km4 was measured at 3.73 metres on October 12 but is forecast to drop to 3.66 metres on October 13 and 3.6 metres on October 14. The warning level is 11.5 metres and the danger level is 12.5 metres.

In Champassak province, the Mekong measured 5.2 metres on October 12 and is forecast to drop to 5.11 metres on October 13 and 5.09 metres on October 14. The warning level is 11 metres and the danger level is 12 metres.

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 up-to-date with weather forecasts as situations can change, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department advises.