10,000 Affected as Laos Floods Worsen
10,000 Affected as Laos Floods Worsen
VIENTIANE — Aug. 21, 2026: Severe flooding has affected at least 11 villages and more than 10,000 people in Savannakhet province in southern Laos, prompting authorities to open three temporary shelters in Phin district, according to Lao local media.
The flooding has heavily affected communities in Phin and Sepone districts, with authorities urging residents living along rivers and riverbanks to closely monitor rising water levels and remain alert to further flooding.
In neighbouring Champasack province, water levels of the Mekong River at Pakse reached 11.52 metres on Aug. 19, exceeding the warning level of 11 metres.
Flash flooding was also reported in a coal-mining area of Sekong province.
In northern Laos, heavy rain caused flooding in Nan district, Luang Prabang province, on Aug. 18-19, inundating rice fields and affecting more than 20 families.
Weather forecasts indicate that moderate to heavy rain could continue in parts of Laos through Aug. 21, raising the risk of further flooding and flash floods.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert and follow local warnings as water levels continue to rise.
