Houses and bridges have been damaged by floodwaters in Xayaboury province. (Photo:vientianetimes.org.la) Hanoi (VNA) -Floods triggered by days of heavy rain have affected thousands of residentsin the northern areas of Laos, according to Xinhua news agency.
The floods have hit the fourprovinces of Xayaboury, Huaphan, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, with at least 10districts affected, according to the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture andTourism.
In some areas, roads wereflooded and water and electricity supplies cut off.
In Xayaboury province, local authorities declared a state of emergency onAugust 12 after the Houng River overflowed its banks, swamping riversidevillages and partially submerging houses. More than 10 villages in fivedistricts of the province were affected.
The province's Deputy Governor Phetthixay Sounvilay was quoted by local mediaas saying that some 600 military personnel have been called in to assist withthe relief efforts.
In Vientiane province, theXong River in Vangvieng district overflowed its banks, inundating localcommunities and resorts at a tourist hotspot. Some bridges were damaged.
Local authorities in Huaphan and Luang Prabang provinces are bracing forsimilar situations, including preparing safe places for displaced people totake shelter.
A lot of people in the affected areas are currently in need of shelter, foodand drinking water as well as boats to move around, according to media reports./.
