Floods Continue to Devastate Southern Laos

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Floods Continue to Devastate Southern Laos

Several southern provinces in Laos have been hit by severe floods after two consecutive tropical storms lashed the region earlier this week.

Lao media is awash with photos, videos, and live streams of affected people, as residents are being evacuated from their homes by boat.

Here are updates from the affected provinces:

Attapeu:
Water levels continue to rise in Attapeu, although rains are weakening. Samakhy District has seen eighteen villages affected by flooding, and Sanamxay District, site of the 2018 dam collapse, has been completely inundated.

A road marker in Sanamxay Disrict, Attapeu
A road marker in Sanamxay District, Attapeu
Villager being evacuated in Attapeu
Villager being evacuated in Attapeu

Champasack:
Champasack Province has been hit by torrential rains and has been heavily flooded. The city of Pakse has been completely inundated, and the river has burst its banks in several parts of the city. 14 villages in Patoumphone District have been severely flooded.

Champasack Hospital Completely Inundated
Champasack provincial hospital completely inundated
Champasack Stadium Filled With Water
Champasack Stadium filled with water
Soldiers assist in the evacuation of villagers
Soldiers assist in the evacuation of villagers
River bursts its banks in Pakse
River bursts its banks in Pakse

Salavanh:

The situation in Salavanh is improving, with floodwaters beginning to recede.

Soldiers assist in the evacuation of villagers in Salavanh
Soldiers assist in the evacuation of villagers in Salavanh

Xekong:

The severity of the situation in Xekong remains unclear, however Dakcheung District has been affected the most, with major road damage and residents unable to access clean drinking water. In accordance with reports by the provincial department of education and sports, all schools have been closed until further notice.

A flooded road way in Sekong Province
A flooded roadway in Sekong Province

Savannakhet:

According to reports by rescuers, Sepon district has been worst affected by floods, with over 100 homes completely inundated. Families have been evacuated as waters rise.

A man carries wife through floodwaters in basket
A man carries wife through floodwaters in a basket

Khammouane:

Official information on the situation in Khammouane has been slow to arrive, however reports stat that many villages in various districts have been affected by the floods.

A temple underwater in Khammouane Province
A temple underwater in Khammouane Province

Photos: Tholakhong