Laos on alert as Typhoon Koinu approaches

VIENTIANE - People in Laos are urged to brace themselves for the potential impact of Typhoon Koinu, which will pass over Laos from Oct 9 to 15, bringing rain, thunderstorms and occasional strong winds across the country, reported Xinhua.

According to a report issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Tuesday, rain and strong wind gusts are forecast for Phongsaly, Huaphan and Xieng Khuang provinces.

In the northwest, light rain and strong winds are likely in parts of Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces.

The central provinces of Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Khammuan will also have light rain and wind gusts.

In the south, there will be thunderstorms and strong winds in some areas of Champasak, Sekong and Attapeu provinces.

The public is advised to keep track of weather forecasts, the bureau said.

Many houses in Vientiane and Xayaboury provinces are currently flooded because of persistent heavy rain, but local authorities have not yet been able to assess the extent of the damage, according to the report.

From the end of July to August, the central and northwestern provinces of Laos experienced heavy rainfall as rivers overflowed their banks. More than 6,000 households and over 11,300 hectares of land in 123 villages were affected in Khammouane province. - BERNAMA