Weather bureau forecasts rain showers until today

Authorities are warning people in northern and central Laos to closely monitor weather conditions as isolated showers and strong winds are expected to predominate until today.
Deputy Head of the weather forecasting and alerts sector, Ms Sinthaly Chanthana, told Vientiane Times that a weather alert was in place for the northern and central provinces from March 2-5.
“We continue to warn people to be alert for rain and strong wind until March 6. From March 6-8, high temperatures will prevail across all parts of the country and the rain will decrease,” she said.
However, people should keep a close eye on weather conditions and monitor national and local news stations for weather updates, the division advised.
From March 2-4, storms hit Sangthong district in Vientiane, Hinheup district in Vientiane province, and the provincial capitals of Xaysomboun and Luang Prabang.
A storm hit the city of Luang Prabang on Wednesday afternoon, with villages by the Mekong Riverside particularly affected, including Xiengthong, Watnong and Phonheuang, the Head of the city’s Administration Office, Mrs Vilayphone Thanonsack, said.
Some trees along the road by the river were blown down and local authorities are carrying out inspections and assessing the damage.
The squalls followed a weather alert on Monday by the Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which warned of storm activity from March 2-5.  The department is advising officials and residents to be prepared for weather changes with the advent of the hot season, and to take precautions to protect children and elderly people.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update March 6, 2020)