Laos: Government reports tropical storms killed 47 people as of August 22

Event

According to local media sources on Wednesday, August 22, a Laotian government report stated that tropical storms this year killed 47 people and 97 others are still missing in 14 provinces affected by recent tropical storms. The report, issued by the National Disaster Prevention and Control Committee, covered damage inflicted by tropical storms Son-Tinh and Bebinca that hit northern Laos in July and August. Around 236,000 people have been affected by flooding, which displaced 11,838 people and damaged 120 schools, 138 roads, and more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of farmland. The assessment did not include damage from the dam collapse in Attepau province, where six villages were fully destroyed.

Context

Laos experiences its rainy season from May through October and tropical cyclones can affect the country from June through November.

Advice

Individuals in Laos are advised to monitor weather reports and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.