Flooding has affected more than 60,000 people across all 10 districts of Khammouane province as continued heavy rain pushes several rivers above danger levels, according to the Khammouane media on 12 August.
The flood struck 206 villages and nearly 9,500 households across the central province in late July and early August. Authorities also report damage to over 15,000 hectares of rice fields and other crops, along with dozens of roads and several bridges.
Officials estimate preliminary losses at least LAK 100 billion (USD 4.4 million).
Several rivers in Khammouane have risen sharply after days of heavy rain. The Xe Bangfai river has surpassed its flood level at both the Mahaxay monitoring station and the Xe Bangfai bridge, while the Mekong River at Thakhek has edged slightly above its danger level.
The flooding follows Tropical Storms Maysak and Bavi, which struck Khounkham district in July, affecting over 1,300 families and causing nearly LAK 40 billion (USD 1.77 million) in damage.
Floods Reported Across Other Provinces
Heavy rain has also triggered flooding and landslides in several other provinces this week.
In Champasak, heavy rain on 10 to 11 August caused flooding and riverbank erosion across five districts and Pakse City, affecting dozens of households and damaging rice fields and roads. Authorities evacuated some residents, with damage estimated at about LAK 1.5 billion (about USD 66,540). Authorities forecast the Mekong River will reach flood level by 15 August.
Further north, sudden flooding struck two villages in Luang Namtha on 11 August, forcing evacuations and damaging homes, farms, and livestock, with authorities still assessing the full losses.
Meanwhile in Savannakhet, the Xe Champhone rose above danger level, flooding thousands of hectares of rice fields and affecting over 2,000 households. The floods cut off eight villages, and authorities are now planning recovery efforts.
Oudomxay and Phongsaly Issue Warnings
Elsewhere, Oudomxay’s Namor district issued a flood warning on 11 August after heavy rain raised water levels in the Nam Kor and Nam Sae , with the Nam Kor rising above danger level. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to prepare for possible flooding.
Further warnings have also come from Phongsaly province, where a low-pressure system and the southwest monsoon are expected to bring widespread rain and strong winds through 16 August. Authorities are cautioning residents about flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding, and urging them to follow weather updates closely.
