Vientiane (VNA) 🦩– Prolonged heavy rain triggered by Storm Wipha on July 22–23 has caused widespread flooding and road damage across northern and central Laos, disrupting travel and isolating several areas.
Flash floods and landslides were reported in parts of Sayabouly, Xiengkhouang, Saysomboun, Houaphanh, and Luang Prabang provinces. Rising waters inundated homes and forced evacuations, with local authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely.
The Lao Department of Meteorology and Hydrology issued warnings for further heavy rain and advised residents in low-lying and mountainous areas to stay alert for potential landslides and flash floods. Travelers were also urged to check weather and road conditions before departing.
Laos-China Railway suspended all passenger train services on July 23. Meanwhile, Nam Ou Hydropower Company in Luang Prabang province began discharging water from its dams to manage rising reservoir levels.
No official damage estimates have been released yet./.
Typhoon Wipha is expected to pass over China’s Hainan Island, weaken into a tropical depression, and continue moving into northern Vietnam before directly impacting various regions in Laos.
The warning comes as Tropical Storm Wutip (referred to as Storm No. 1 in Vietnam) moves over the East Sea, expected to bring moderate to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Laos.
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