A flooded river in Yot Ou district, Phongsaly province.    --Photo Yot Ou district official

Flooding, landslides possible in northern and central provinces

The Meteorology and Hydrology Department has issued a warning about potential flooding and landslides from June 16-22, as a low-pressure system combined with the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain across the country.
Residents in the northern and central provinces are advised to be on high alert and take precautionary measures, as persistent rain over several days could lead to severe weather-related hazards, the department has warned.
Phongsaly, Huaphan and Xieng Khuang will have thunderstorms and light rain, while Oudomxay, Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces can expect thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds.
Xaysoumboun, Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet and Vientiane province will have thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Champassak, Saravan, Xekong and Attapeu provinces will have light rain, and the capital Vientiane can also expect thunderstorms and occasional strong wind gusts.
The department has urged the public to closely follow weather reports and warnings.
In Yot Ou district, Phongsaly province, heavy rain over the past few days caused rivers to burst their banks and flood houses and farmland on June 16, according to a district official.
Last week, the residents of 54 villages in Khongxedon district, Saravan province, also suffered the effects of flooding in the wake of tropical storm Wutip.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 18, 2025)