Kasy-Nan road closed after landslides
 
Authorities in Kasy district of Vientiane province have barred all vehicles from using a section of Road No 4C going to Nan district in Luang Prabang province after it was blocked following landslides.
Director of Kasy district’s Public Works and Transport office, Mr Phan Namvong, told Vientiane Times on Wednesday that motorists travelling from Kasy province to Nan district should avoid this road because it had been damaged by flash floods and landslides.

“The authorities have barred all vehicles from using this road for a week,” he said.
The landslides occurred at noon on July 7 following heavy rainfall. The landslides occurred about 10 km downstream from Phou Kao Lak on the mountainous road that links Kasy to Nan. Some 300 metres of the road were blocked by the landslides, he said.
 Mr Phan said: “Today, our officials and officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport have teamed up to survey the landslide site and to find ways to carry out emergency repairs.”
 A safer route to the northern provinces is Road No 13 North, which goes from from Kasy district to Phoukhoun district in Luang Prabang province, he said.
 According to local authorities, a 68-km section of the National Road No 4C runs through mountainous terrain and links Kasy and Nan districts. It also has many bends and motorists have to be very careful while using it, especially in wet conditions.
The local authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when travelling in the area as the poor road conditions can lead to accidents.
Many roads across the country have been affected by landslides and flash floods, and some routes have been cut by flooded rivers.
Floodwaters affected Namkhem Bridge in Thasavang village of Xaythany district in Vientiane on Wednesday morning, and local authorities are seeking ways to repair it. This bridge is a key part of the road linking Thangon and Vernkham villages in Xaythany district to the new bridge across Nam Ngum river between
Nabong and Thakokkhay villages in Pakngum district of Vientiane. Many motorists use this road daily.
Motorists have been warned by authorities to pay extra attention and drive safely at a lower speed appropriate to the conditions while keeping their eyes open for road damage and repairs.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update July 9, 2020)