Storm​ in Borikhamxay leaves one person dead, 14 injured

A thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds and hail killed an elderly man and injured 14 people when it passed through Khamkeuth district in Borikhamxay province​ last Friday.

This electricity pole smashed through the roof of a house in Khamkeuth district, Borikhamxay province, during high winds.    --Photo Lao Economic Daily

President of the district’s disaster management committee, Mr Bounyong Luangbounma, told reporters on Monday that the storm lasted for less than 30 minutes but caused the death of a 61-year-old man in Phonpheang village, while schools, restaurants,​ petrol stations, houses, water supplies and electricity poles in 11 villages of the district were damaged or affected.
The 14 injured people were taken to hospital but are now back home, while repairs to water and electricity connections are now about 80 percent complete.
District authorities have been organising the repair of schools, with the work expected to be complete within the next week, Mr Bounyong said.
The stormy weather was predicted by the Meteorology and Hydrology Department which warned that many areas would experience thunderstorms, strong winds and hail last Friday and Saturday.
Members of the public are advised to keep track of weather forecasts in newspapers and on radio and television or visit the Meteorology and Hydrology Department’s Facebook page to get the latest updates and be prepared for weather extremes.
The department has also forecasted that temperatures will rise across the country from April 4-7, reaching record levels for the year so far, with thunderstorms accompanied by strong wind gusts are possible in all areas, especially in the south.
In the northeast, temperatures will range from 14-35 degrees Celsius while isolated showers are also possible in the provinces of Phongsaly, Huaphan and Xieng Khuang.
The northwest, including Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Xayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces, will also experience a rise in temperatures, ranging from 19-41C.
The central provinces of Vientiane, Borikhamxay and Khammuan can also expect thunderstorms and occasional wind gusts, while temperatures will rise to 28-40C.
Xaysomboun province will continue to experience cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from 15-30C.
In the south, the temperature range is forecast at 25-40C.
Plateau areas will be cooler with temperatures ranging from 16-29C along with isolated thunderstorms and wind gusts.
In Vientiane, temperatures will range from 25-40C, also with the possibility of thunderstorms and isolated wind gusts.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 4, 2024)