Widespread Heavy Downpours Forecast Across Laos

Source: Vientiane Times

Regions across Laos have been put on alert for flash floods and landslides after weather forecasters warned an active low pressure system will increase heavy rains in parts of the country during July 1-5.

Areas at high risk of damage include the provinces of Huaphan, Xieng Khuang, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Xayaboury, Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuan and Savannakhet.

The powerful low pressure system is expected to lead to thunderstorms that can bring heavy downpours and strong winds, and flash floods and landslides are possible in high-risk areas. People should prepare for severe conditions, according to an alert issued by the Meteorology and Hydrology Department on Monday.

People were advised to track weather forecasts on Facebook, websites, radio broadcasts, television and other media platforms to get the latest information.

During June 24-30, weather forecasters had warned that heavy rains and strong winds with flooding and landslides were set to hit the country’s central and northern regions.

The warning came as heavy downpours hit some regions of Laos but officials have not received any reports of damage so far.

Neighbouring Thailand has also issued a weather warning for July 1-6 that said the southwest monsoon, which prevails over the Andaman Sea and Thailand, will intensify. When combined with the monsoon trough across Laos, Myanmar and upper Vietnam, the weather conditions can cause heavy rain in some areas of Thailand.

The website of the Meteorological Department of Thailand at www.tmd.go.th said the upper regions of the country will have more rain. Winds in the Andaman Sea and the gulf of Thailand will intensify.

People in Thailand have also been asked to be on alert for heavy rains, which may cause sudden floods from June 30 to July 6. All ships in the gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea have been advised to proceed with caution.