In June FloodList reported that monsoon rains had resulted in flooding in the Bolikhamsai Province of Laos on 22nd and 23rd June. Levels of the River Nam Xan rose rapidly and the river eventually broke its banks in various places. Around 5,000 people were affected in around 9 villages, although there were no casualties reported.
The monsoon rains have continued since then, and Laos has endured almost continuous heavy rainfall for around 8 weeks. Typhoons – Jebi and Monghut – in the region have also added to the rainfall.
Since the beginning of June an estimated 116,518 people have been affected by floods. 20 people are believed to have died as a result of flooding, including 16 people who died in flash floods in the Beng district of Oudumxay on 20th August.
The floods have brought devastation to transport, infrastructre, education and agriculture. Over 6,000 hectares of rice fields have been damaged and thousands of livestock have been killed. Seven bridges and nearly 800km of roads have been damaged. Irrigation systems, latrines, wells and reservoirs have also suffered. 13 schools have also been damaged, with loss of equipment and books.
The worst affected areas are Khammuan Province (40,172 people affected), Vientiane Province (30,228 people affected), and Bolikhamsai Province (36,643 people affected).
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For further information, see the UN Situation report which can be found here
