VIENTIANE, Aug 10 (NNN-KPL) – The Mekong river will continue to rise to a dangerous level, after days of heavy and light rain across Laos, with people living along its banks being warned to stay alert and prepare to evacuate, if necessary.
The level of the Mekong river in the Lao capital, Vientiane, was recorded at 11.23 metres yesterday, compared with a warning level of 11.50 metres and a danger level of 12.50 metres, according to an update, issued yesterday by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The river overflowed its banks and slowly flooded some low-lying areas in Sithantay village of Hadxaifong district, in the capital.
Heavy and light rains have been forecast across the country, which are expected to result in a rise in the water levels of the Mekong and its main tributaries.
The level of the Mekong river in Pakxan district of Bolikhamxay province was recorded at 10.46 metres yesterday, with the warning level at 13.50 metres and the danger level at 14.50 metres.
In Luang Prabang province, the level of the Mekong river is expected to rise from 14.33 metres today, to 14.43 meters tomorrow, where the warning level is at 17.50 metres and the danger level at 18 metres.
Lao authorities are keeping a close eye on the Mekong river and its tributaries, since the water levels are expected to rise in the next few days.
The department advised its officials, to closely watch the water levels and issue flood warnings when necessary, so that people in at-risk areas can be prepared to mitigate the fallout of flooding.– NNN-KPL
