Remnants of TC Koguma leave major damage in Laos
Remnants of Tropical Storm "Koguma" hit Laos on Monday, June 14, 2021, triggering floods and landslides that significantly impacted infrastructure, homes and agricultural fields.
Despite dissipating over Vietnam, where it made landfall on June 13, remains of Koguma reached Laos, triggering numerous landslides and floods.
According to authorities, roughly 5 300 vehicles were damaged, 11 schools were affected, and five bridges across the country were wrecked.
The storm destroyed 25 roadways, some of which have been repaired as of Thursday, June 17.
Around 169 ha (417 acres) of plowland was severely damaged and an unknown number of cattle and poultry perished as rivers broke their banks, including in Nam Houng in Xayaboury Province, and Nam Song in Vang Vieng District of Vientiane Province.
In Xayaboury, the worst-affected area, the damage is estimated at 9.77 million dollars or 94 billion Lao kip. No fatalities were reported.
The government has called for emergency relief to assist more than 5 200 families affected by flooding in the area.
"An appeal has gone out for help from the public and local and central authorities, calling for donations of food, drinking water, rescue boats, water pumps, fuel, and money to repair infrastructure and help local residents resume life as normal," said deputy governor Phetphixary Sounvilay.
Featured image credit: Visanu Laos
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