6 died from the flash flooding and landslides in Laos

Two of the reported six deaths occurred in Phieng district of Xayaboury province as locals were returning from their farming activities.

The other four deaths were reported in Xieng Khuang province, including one in Nong-haet district, two in Khoun district and one in Kham district.

Two people died as they were washed away by floodwaters, one died while travelling to market and another died in a landslide.

The flooding will affect an estimated 100,000 people in Laos as much farmland is under water and rice barns, animals and houses along rivers have been washed away.

Many affected families have been evacuated to safe places, but communication networks in some districts are struggling as road access, telephone and electricity have been cut off.

Local authorities have assisted with some basic necessities for affected families but it is not enough to meet demand as some families have lost everything in the flooding.

Xayaboury province has experienced the worst flash flooding in 38 years as heavy rain caused the Houng River to burst its banks.

Office Head of Xayaboury province Mr Bounthan Khamkheuang said the flooding has affected several districts but the most severe damage has been reported in Xayaboury provincial capital, where 19 villages have been affected.

“People don't have electricity or water. Road access in some areas has been cut off so travelling and communicating in the province is very difficult,” he said.

“We are collecting information to determine the cost of the damage.”

In Xieng Khuang province, the flooding has affected an estimated more than 60,000 people, according to provincial Acting Office Head Mr Damduan Phimmanithong.

He said the most severe flooding was reported in Tha-thom district, followed by Mok, Kham and Khoun districts.

“The flooding has put fields of sweetcorn and rice under water. Electricity and water have been cut off and hillside roads between districts eroded,” he said.

Rain continues to fall in Xieng Khuang province but is not as heavy as on the weekend.

Meanwhile, flooding has also occurred in Borikhan district of Borikhamxay province, but no deaths or injuries have been reported.

Deputy Governor of Borikhan district Mr Thongsy Inthipaya said the flooding is expected to affect about 30,000 people in the district.

Flooding was reported in four village groups after the Nam Xan and Nam Ngiep rivers burst their banks.

“There are 3,500 hectares of rice fields in the district and I estimate that some 3,000 hectares are under water,” he said.

By Somsack Pongkhao