Storms wreak damage in Luang Prabang, Champassak

Storms damaged houses and other structures in Luang Prabang and Champassak provinces on March 27, after the Meteorology and Hydrology Department forecast that many areas of the country would experience thunderstorms and strong winds.
Luang Prabang City Governor Mr Viengthong Hathsachan told Vientiane Times on Monday that several houses in the city were damaged when a storm hit the area on March 27, although no one was injured.

Strong winds also brought down an electricity pole, causing a power cut.
Conditions have since returned to normal and provincial authorities have visited households who were affected by the storm to help them with repairs and are assessing the cost of the damage.
On the same day, strong winds and hail in Pakxe city, Champassak province, brought down trees and pounded houses. Provincial authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and helping people whose houses were affected.
Last month two footbridges across the Xong River leading to Tham Chang and Tham Lom caves in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, collapsed when the level of the river rose due to heavy rain.
Huts and makeshift shops on the riverbank suffered flood damage, with some flimsy structures being brought to the ground.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department forecasts that thunderstorms accompanied by rain are likely across the country until April 1 and advises everyone to keep track of weather warnings in order to be prepared and take steps to mitigate the effects of severe conditions.
There will be rain and thunderstorms in Phongsaly, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces, where temperatures will range from 15-29 degrees Celsius.
In the northwest there will be light rain and thunderstorms in parts of Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces. Temperatures will range from 18-33C.
The central provinces of Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuan and Savannakhet will also have thunderstorms and light rain, with an expected temperature range of 22-35C. In the south there will be thunderstorms and rain in some areas of Champassak, Xekong and Attapeu provinces, where temperatures will range from 23-36C.
Vientiane can also expect light rain, with temperatures ranging from 24-34C.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 29, 2022)