51 houses hit by flash floods in Luang Namtha
 
A total of 51 houses in Nam Eng village of Viengphoukha district in Luang Namtha province were inundated after heavy rains on Sunday caused flash floods.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported after the rains and floods. Viengphoukha district Governor, Mr Tiensamone Phonepaseuth, told Vientiane Times on Monday that the flash floods occurred from 6 am to 10 am on Sunday, when the river overflowed and flooded Nam Eng village.

At least 51 houses were affected, he said, citing initial reports. “The military and local authorities are helping to move people and take their belongings to higher ground. Fortunately, no one has been injured or killed,” he said.
 At least seven cattle, pigs and other livestock were reported missing after the flash floods and several rice storehouses were damaged, he said. Authorities are now assessing the damage caused to houses, farmland, irrigation systems and other property.
 The authorities are also helping villagers to clean and repair their homes after the water level decreased. They are providing essential supplies, especially drinking water, noodles and dry food, to affected families, Mr Tiensamone said.
 The villagers need more supplies, especially drinking water, rice, clothing, and other daily essentials, he added.
The forecast issued on Sunday by the Meteorology and Hydrology Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said hot weather and rains can be expected across many regions of the country.
 The forecast suggested that strong winds and rain will affect the provinces of Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, and Bokeo, which will see temperatures range from 23  to 31 degrees Celsius.
 Authorities in Kasy district of Vientiane province are racing to clear a section of Road No 4C from Kasy to Nan district in Luang Prabang province after it was blocked following landslides last week.
Motorists travelling from Kasy to Nan should avoid this road because it was damaged by flash floods and landslides. A safer route to the northern provinces is Road No. 13 North, which goes from Kasy to Phoukhoun district in Luang Prabang province, according to authorities.
The authorities said a 68-km section of the National Road No. 4C runs through mountainous terrain and links Kasy and Nan districts. It has many bends and motorists have to be very careful while using it, especially in wet conditions.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update July 14, 2020)