A family of Phongern village in Hadxaifong uses a boat to get to their home during flooding last year.

People grapple with fears of flooding after heavy rainfall

Recent heavy rainfall that caused flash floods in many areas across the country in the early part of the rainy season have triggered fears among people about the likelihood of major flooding as was witnessed last year.
In September 2024, Laos experienced widespread flooding after heavy rainfall and tropical storms. The floods affected 15 provinces and damaged farm land and public facilities such as hospitals and schools and killed livestock. The government estimated that the damage inflicted by the flooding across the country caused losses of 720 billion kip.
Since July 18, four storms have hit 15 provinces during the monsoon season, causing widespread flooding. The party and state had to encourage people and state institutions to help protect embankments along the Mekong river in the capital and provide many sandbags to block the flow of water into districts.
Referring to the fear of heavy floods among people, Ms Akhom Thammalangsi, the Acting Head of the Weather Broadcasting and Warning Division of the Meteorology and Hydrology Department, said “Rainfall is normal during the rainy season from May, but there seems to be more rain than normal this year. However, we are closely monitoring the weather broadcasts and often warn the public throughout the country ahead of time in case of any emergency.”

The rainfall this year has resulted in a significant rise in the level of Xong river in Vientiane province rising, with waters flowing into some parts of Vangvieng district.

She added, “Each day, we have to prepare and be ready to face worse weather. We also keep an eye on tropical storms with rainfall that can cause floods and landslides.”
The country is witnessing rainfall nearly everyday, and this may cause flash floods in cities in the northern and southern parts of Laos, some parts of the southern road No 13 and some rice fields. Earlier the month, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department urged people living near the Xong river in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province, and the Namxan river in Bolikhan district of Bolikhamxay province to be prepared for flooding if the rivers overflowed their lower banks.
Khongxedon district of Salavan province and Xanasomboun district of Champasak province also faced flash floods along with some other parts of the country.

Friends of a victim of last year’s flooding in Phongern village of Vientiane use a boat to bring drinking water and food to his house.

The Meteorology and Hydrology Department reported in early July that a low-pressure system combined with the active southwesterly monsoon brought widespread rainfall across Laos, and some areas are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Mrs Vadsana Sisomvang, a resident of Phongern village in Hadxaifong district of Vientiane who experienced major flooding last year, said “The Mekong river overflowed into my land and I had to use a boat to move from the embankment to my house during a month of flooding. The flood waters were more than two metres high and damaged my guava plantation with more than 50 trees.”
She added, “However, my house luckily has two storeys and the difference between the lower storey and the second storey is more than three metres. So, I could stay in my house.”
Mrs Vadsana said the level of the Mekong river seems to be higher this year, and she had moved her property to a safer area. “I am still scared by the current amount of rainfall because my family planted more than 200 guava trees and they are still very small,” she said.
“The water level has not risen till the second storey of my home, but other villages near my house were flooded and people had to move to their relatives’ houses,” she said.
Mr Min Voralath, a resident of Somhong village in Hadxaifong district of Vientiane, said: “Last September, the waters of the Mekong river entered the first floor of my two-storey house. However, the floods last year were major and many areas in the capital experienced flooding. Luckily, the flooding in my area lasted only five days and then the waters receded,” he said.
“I hope that we will not face flooding like last year because my family and I don’t want to move with our property to a higher area,” he added.
According to a graphic posted on the website of the Mekong River Commission on July 15, the river continues to be at a normal level in Vientiane.  
Last year, Vientiane experienced major floods, especially in Sikhottabong, Sangthong, Hadxaifong, Pakngum and Sisattanak districts. Many provinces, including Champassak, Xayabouly and Bokeo, were also affected by widespread flooding.
The floods damaged thousand of hectares of farm land, irrigation systems and fish ponds and resulted in the death of livestock. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and water supply systems also suffered damage.

by Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 16, 2025)