Torrential rains lead to serious flooding in Laos

​Flooding damaged houses (Source: KPL)

Unrelenting rain has caused severe flooding in central Bolikhamxay province of Laos with some areas left submerged under water as high as 2 metres after the downpour.

Areas affected included Bolikhanh, Pakkading and Thaphabath districts, said Deputy Governor of Bolikhamxay province Kongkeo Saysong, adding that the flood has affected 20,000 hectares of rice.

Head of Pakheuang Village in Bolikhanh district said the floods are also complicating local livelihoods due to shortages of fresh water.

Transport has been hampered on Route No. 13 connecting Vientiane and other provinces in the central and southern regions.

According to the Lao Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the rain is forecast to continue over the next five days.

Bolikhamxay authorities recommended local residents evacuate to safer areas.-VNA