Weekend Storms Batter Parts Of Laos

Source: Vientiane Times

Sporadic tropical storms will continue to lash many parts of Laos from now until the middle of May and the public should be on the alert at all times.

Head of the Weather Forecast and Aeronautical Meteorology Division of the Meteorology and Hydrology Department in Vientiane, Mr Bounterm Sisouphanthavong, issued the warning yesterday.

In an interview with Vientiane Times , Mr Bounterm said storms hit several provinces on Friday. Many households lost roofs, while some billboards blew down during the squalls that whipped through localised areas.

In Vientiane’s Hadxaifong district, several restaurants, factories and other buildings were left without roofs and some trees were toppled by heavy winds.

There may be more unreported damage in remote areas.

Electricity poles were also brought down in the strong winds, according to district authorities.

The worst incident occurred in Attapeu, where private and state property and farmers’ crops were damaged by hailstones during storms that lashed several parts of the province last week.

Summer thunderstorms can be expected at this time of the year, with rain, gusting winds and hail.

People should be on the alert for severe weather conditions and keep away from insecure buildings, the department warned.