Arya News - The flash floods struck after several upstream rivers rose rapidly following days of heavy rain, sending water southward into Laos.
VIENTIANE – Luang Namtha province in northern Laos was declared a disaster zone on Saturday after flash floods surged around the Laos-China border crossing in Boten, inundating buildings, a special economic zone, farmland and critical infrastructure across more than 30 villages.
The Luang Namtha Provincial Administrative Committee issued the declaration following widespread flooding and landslides that hit Luang Namtha and Nalae districts. The floods affected or partially submerged structures near the river, an airport, schools, hospitals and large areas of farmland. The border checkpoint itself remained unaffected.
The flash floods struck after several upstream rivers rose rapidly following days of heavy rain, sending water southward into Laos. A hydrology station on the Tha River recorded water levels at 6.58 metres on Saturday—above the 6-metre flood warning threshold and approaching the 7-metre flood level.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued a flood warning for the Tha River for August 29-30. Provincial authorities have ordered administrations in five districts to alert residents living along rivers, in low-lying areas and other vulnerable locations to prepare for possible evacuation if water levels continue to rise.
Local officials have been instructed to closely monitor the situation, respond quickly to incidents and report regularly to the provincial authorities, the local television station reported.
A broader warning covers 14 provinces this weekend as a low-pressure system moves across northern Laos and southwest China.
Combined with the southwesterly monsoon, the system is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rain and strong winds.
Provinces at risk include Phongsaly, Huaphan, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Xaysomboun, Bolikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Salavan, Xekong, Champasak, Attapeu and Vientiane.
Residents along riverbanks and in low-lying areas are urged to stay alert, follow weather forecasts and prepare for possible flash floods and landslides.