In the aftermath of the destructive floods caused by Typhoon Yagi, the authorities in Luang Namtha have issued a public statement addressing the widespread damage across the province. With vital infrastructure left in disarray, the focus now shifts to damage control and the restoration of essential services.
Phounkeo Laoin, Head of Luang Namtha Public Works and Transport Department, reported that the floods had severely affected the province’s infrastructure, particularly the road networks. Landslides have cut off road access in every direction, rendering transportation between the provincial municipality and other districts impossible.
Phounkeo noted that all paths leading to and from the provincial municipality had been blocked. He explained that not only main roads but also rural and urban roads, water factories, and airports had suffered extensive damage.
The flooding also collapsed the province’s main bridge, which is critical for Road 17B connecting the Sing, Long, and Siengkok districts and Lao-Myanmar border. He further reported that the road at Kilometer 32+200 was particularly hard-hit, with sections eroded by water, causing the surface to collapse in multiple areas.
Temporary routes have been established to manage traffic flow, but the overall condition of the roads remains dire.
In response to the damage, Phounkeo announced that the Public Works and Transport Department would begin collecting comprehensive data on the extent of the destruction. He added that the restoration of transportation and the repair of the airport would be the department’s top priorities, with work already underway to ensure that water supply services are also restored to full functionality.
Phounkeo expressed regret for the disruption and appealed for public understanding of the challenges the sector faces. He urged government stakeholders to extend their support in restoring the province’s infrastructure.
