Electricity cut in Xieng Ngeun after flooding

Electricity cut in Xieng Ngeun after flooding

People in the chief town of Xieng Ngeun district, Luang Prabang province have lost electricity, with more than 10 villages impacted by flooding after heavy rain on Tuesday.

More than 100 families along the Nam Khan River were displaced from their homes, and had to stay at schools and village clubs, even as water levels in the river began to recede yesterday.

Boys in Xieng Ngeun move their personal possessions to higher ground by boat, with flood waters reaching the roof of their house. -- Photo Koutkeo Sengthavy

Most of the people affected are in Xieng Ngeun, Pak Khan, Pak Vek, Moud and Suan Luang villages, local media reported.

They may be at risk of flooding again if they go back to their homes now because the weather forecast is predicting rainfall to continue throughout the rest of this week.

The floodwaters rose quickly during the day before falling again at night. About 1,000 people have been affected by the flash flooding, which has not happened in the area since many years ago.

District and provincial authorities are now encouraging companies, government organisations and individuals to make donations to assist with flood relief, a reporter in Xieng Ngeun district, Mr Lekxay Khotsayo, told theVientiane Times yesterday.

He said that some victims have already received clean water and dry food from the authorities, while more help is still required because the water supply is also affected.

Water levels of the Nam Khan have now receded about 7-8 metres in the district area, while in the provincial capital it has dropped 2-3 metres.

Road No 13 North in the Xieng Ngeun area in Luang Prabang province was cut off by a landslide caused by heavy rain on Wednesday. It's now open for use after the provincial transportation sector cleared it yesterday, Mr Lekxay said.

Authorities could not yet estimate the number of crops affected or the number of livestock missing. They are sending technical staff to the field to collect detailed information for a report, he said.

Houses, rice stores and other residential, business, and government properties have also been damaged but there have been no deaths or injuries reported.

Local communities have encountered difficulties communicating with each other, because many roads within the district are badly damaged.

The Meteorology and Hydrology Department yesterday warned people and authorities to be aware of potential flooding and landslides after strong winds and heavy rain.

The warning applies especially to people living in Mork May and Thathom districts of Xieng Khuang province, Hom district in Vientiane province, and Borikhan and Viengthong districts of Borikhamxay province.

People in these areas were urged to stay up to date with weather forecasts over the next few days.

By Khamphone Syvongxay
(Latest Update August 10, 2012)