Laos, Myanmar, Thailand: Disruptions due to Typhoon Yagi ongoing across the region as of Sept. 12

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of northern Laos, central Myanmar, and northern Thailand as of Sept. 12 following the passing of the remannts of Typhoon Yagi. The system made landfall over Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam the afternoon of Sept. 7, before weakening and dissipating as it moved west-northwestward over northern Vietnam through Sept. 8. The remants of the storm passed over the region through Sept. 12, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to widespread storm damage, flooding, and landslides. Severe weather is ongoing in the region Sept. 12 and further adverse weather is forecast through at least Sept. 17.

As of Sept. 12, authorities have reported at least one fatality in Laos. The worst affected is Luang Namtha Province, with flooding and landslides resulting in considerable property damage and many residents stranded. Some rivers in Luang Prabang Province in Laos have reached warning levels. Parts of Luang Prabang City are flooded. Residents in Sayaboury and Oudomxay provinces have evacuated to higher places for safety, and large areas of agricultural land have been affected by flooding. Flooding and landslides have resulted in power outages impacting 11 villages in Namor District, Oudomxay Province.

In northern Thailand, authorities have confirmed six fatalities and four injured in Chiang Mai Province and two other fatalities, two severely inured, and another person still missing in Chiang Rai Province due to flooding and landslides. Reports indicate that parts of Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai Province are heavily flooded; residents in flood-affected areas near the overflowing Sai River were advised to prepare for possible evacuations. The Kok, Chan, and Kham Uen reivers have also overflowed. Authorities have advised the public to avoid Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) due to flooded road access; flights at the airport are suspended Sept. 12.

Parts of Naypyidaw in Myanmar are flooded, damaging houses and trapping thousands of residents. The Moei River in Kayin State overflowed, flooding the surrounding areas and forcing residents to evacuate. More flooding is likely across southern Myanmar as the water makes its way downstream. Reports indicated that the town of Tachileik, in eastern Shan State in Myanmar is without power due to flooding.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across the region through at least Sept. 17. The Thai Meteological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across most of the country through at least Sept. 17. Further heavy downpours will likely exacerbate the ongoing flood situation and landslide threat in the region, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain in affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are possible. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.