Tropical Storm Podul Set To Hit Laos Today

Source: Vientiane Times

Tropical storm Podul is on track to lash northern, southern and central areas of the country and everyone should be on the alert for heavy rain and winds due to storm activity from August 29 to September 1.

The storm is currently heading westward at a speed of 40 kilometres, forecasters say. A weather warning has been issued by the Meteorology and Hydrology Department for 15 provinces.

Areas at high risk for damage include the capital and the provinces of Huaphan, Xieng Khuang, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Xayaboury, Xaysomboun, Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Champassak, Xekong and Attapeu.

The department urged members of the public to take care and be on their guard against thunderstorms, flash floods, landslides, falling trees, and damage to houses and other structures from strong wind.

The department also warned that persistent rainfall in the northern and central regions will see river levels continue to rise.

According to the latest update on river levels issued on August 26, the level of the Xebangfay River in Xaybangfay district, Khammuan province now stands at 19.14 metres, which is above the danger zone of 18.50 metres. This puts the Xebangfay Bridge in Mahaxay district at particular risk.

Elsewhere in the district, the Xebangfay River at Tonhen village now measures 13.32 metres, while the danger level is 13 metres.

Meanwhile, the Xechamphon River in Kengkok village, Champhon district, measures 8.44 metres, just below the danger level of 8.5 metres.