Conditions in flood-hit Luang Namtha return to normal

Luang Namtha provincial authorities are working to help residents in three districts affected by flooding following heavy rain on July 19-21, after tropical storm Cempaka passed over the province this week.
Head of the Luang Namtha Provincial Labour and Social Welfare Department, Mr Khamlao Keolakam, told Vientiane Times on Thursday that conditions in Luang Namtha, Long and Viengphoukha districts are now back to normal and officials are collecting information about the extent of the damage.
“Provincial authorities have provided food and drinking water to people in need and are now engaged in a clean-up operation to remove the mud left behind,” he said. “Many hectares of farmland were affected, along with a few houses. Fortunately no one was injured or killed.” The floodwaters have receded as the Nam Tha, Nam Long and Nam Jouk rivers, which overflowed their banks, have now returned to normal levels, while roads and water and electricity supply are also functioning as normal, Mr Khamlao said. Elsewhere, many areas of Luang Prabang City have also suffered flooding following heavy rain in recent days. Provincial authorities are helping local residents and are inspecting the damage, according to a Luang Prabang news source on July 20.
Last month Xayaboury, Xieng Khuang, Bokeo and Vientiane provinces also experienced flooding, with Xayaboury being the hardest hit area. Households in 56 villages of Xayaboury province were affected and almost 20 houses were swept away by floodwaters, with losses estimated at more than 94 billion kip. The Meteorology and Hydrology Department warns everyone to be prepared for weather extremes and to keep track of forecasts.
Some northern and southern regions can expect flooding and landslides from July 23-25, where there will be thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and wind gusts, the department forecasts.
The northeast will see temperatures of 21-31 degrees Celsius with thunderstorms, heavy rain and wind gusts in Huaphan, Xieng Khuang and Phongsaly provinces.
Similar conditions will occur throughout Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Xayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces, with temperatures ranging from 24-36C. The central region will also have thunderstorms, rain and gusting winds in Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuan and Savannakhet provinces. Temperatures will range from 23-36C. Saravan, Champassak, Xekong and Attapeu provinces can expect more hot weather with squalls and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 25-36C. Vientiane will have temperatures of 25-36C with thunderstorms and heavy rain.

By Siladda Souliyong
(Latest Update July 23, 2021)