Tropical storm Noru claims life of Sekong resident

Floods in Xekong province caused by tropical storm Noru have left one person dead, while thousands of people in the south have been affected by widespread flooding after heavy rain lashed the area from September 27-30.
Some 28 villages in Xekong province were inundated, while electricity supplies were disrupted, roads became impassable, and farmland was flooded, with Kaleum and Dakcheung districts being the hardest hit areas.

People wade through a flooded street in Xekong province.            --Photo Xekong provincial official

Provincial authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and trying to help those who whose homes have been flooded.
Bridges, roads, schools and transport in Attapeu province have also been affected and authorities are providing assistance to residents of Chaleunxay village, Xanxay district in particular.
Food, drinking water and medicines have been distributed, as well as help with hygiene, at a cost to date of more than 66 million kip. Authorities will help to repair damaged houses and provide food and drinking water as needed so that people can get back on their feet, a provincial official said. In Saravan province, at least 20,000 people are thought to be suffering from the effects of the storm, which caused damage to almost 14,000 hectares of farmland, affecting at least 100,000 poultry and 15,000 cattle and pigs, while numerous houses, schools, roads and bridges in the province were also affected.
In Champassak province, farmland, roads and electricity connections in 33 villages of five districts were affected, but relief efforts are underway to restore the situation to normal. The Meteorology and Hydrology Department had warned that tropical storm Noru would pass over central and southern Laos from September 28-30, and that there was a strong likelihood of flooding and landslides. The department has forecast thunderstorms in Phongsaly, Huaphan and Xieng Khuang provinces from September 26 to October 2, with temperatures ranging from 17-29 degrees Celsius.During the same period, light rain, thunderstorms and wind gusts are forecast for Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces, where temperatures will range from 19-34C.
The central provinces of Vientiane, Borikhamxay and Khammuan will also have thunderstorms and heavy rain, with an expected temperature range of 22-34C, while in Xaysomboun province temperatures will be lower at 15-28C accompanied by thunderstorms, rain and occasional strong winds.
Temperatures in the south will range from 23-34C where thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for Champassak, Xekong and Attapeu provinces. It will be cooler in plateau areas, with temperatures ranging from 14-27C. Vientiane can expect more hot weather, thunderstorms, heavy rain and wind gusts, with temperatures ranging from 23-34C.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 3, 2022)