Savannakhet Province is set to become the first province in Laos to revolutionize its weather monitoring capabilities with the installation of state-of-the-art Light-Emitting Diode (LED) screens and advanced meteorological equipment.
The project, funded by South Korea in collaboration with the Lao government, aims to establish a sophisticated flood forecasting and warning system.
The project began implementation in October 2022 and aims to conclude in September this year, contributing to strengthening climate resilience and minimizing the effects of natural disasters, particularly in the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin area of Savannakhet Province.
Boulika Inthilath, Deputy Head of the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and officials from the water resource and meteorology departments assured that the initiative will empower residents with swift, accurate weather forecasts.
Key features of the upgrade include LED screens in Kaysone Phomvihane city, as well as rain gauges, flood warning devices, closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), and water level gauges in 12 districts across the province. With equipment costs exceeding USD 7.4 million, this initiative is expected to enhance the region’s readiness for climate-related challenges.
In Kaysone Phomvihane city, specifically, the main part of the weather system will be a big LED screen near the Meteorological-Hydrological Station in Thahae village. This screen, which is 2 meters wide, 3 meters long, and 6 meters high and costs over 4 million US dollars, will provide real-time weather updates to the community.
Currently, preparations are underway, with equipment transportation to Savannakhet province already in progress. Although the project is set to end in September, installation is expected to finish by April 2024, ensuring residents have quick access to important weather information and strengthening the province’s ability to handle climate change.
