Several districts in Vientiane Capital have seen flash flooding after heavy rains swept across Laos yesterday evening.
The heavy downpour in the early hours of the morning has left vehicles stranded and homes completely inundated as knee-deep waters flow through the city.
While Vientiane has seen rare flooding over the past few weeks, this morning’s floodwaters seem more widespread, covering several districts, with more of the nation’s capital now submerged.
Roadways across the city became small rivers this morning, with the Xaylom area in Chanthabouly District seeing water levels reaching residents’ knees. Smaller streets and laneways near the Vientiane Center Shopping Mall were also completely inundated.
Flash flooding occurred in several districts of Vientiane Capital after heavy rains hit #Laos yesterday evening. Vehicles have been left stranded and homes have been inundated by the rising waters.
: Manoly Keokhounborisack pic.twitter.com/FOmIDtB57F
— The Laotian Times (@LaotianTimes) August 20, 2022
Phontong experienced waist-deep water levels in some areas, while the That Luang intersection, ASEAN Road, and 450 Years roads have been inundated as well.
Mayor of Vientiane Capital, Mr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone, visited flood-affected communities in Sikhottabong District on 8 August, ordering local authorities to try to resolve the problem.
Residents of Vientiane’s Xaylom district are knee-deep in water after heavy rains yesterday evening.
: Eva Namkhao pic.twitter.com/gSW2EE87zA
— The Laotian Times (@LaotianTimes) August 20, 2022
The city’s municipal officials have admitted that flooding occurs due to blocked drains which have not been cleared because of budget constraints.
Attempts have been made to clear obstructed drains since flash flooding occurred earlier this month, however.
The monsoon season this year has seen large amounts of rain, causing several hydropower dams across the country to release water, with some downstream communities being warned to move livestock and belongings to higher ground.
