Heavy rain and floods in Borikhamxay Laos

[Lone Rider]

Just got a phone call from friends who were travelling from Phonsavan to Thakheak on their way to the Vietnam border. They encountered many landslides on Rd 1D from Phonsavan to Road 8 and the junction of Rd 8 with Rd 13 South was completely flooded (water level above the wheels of their bikes). They were now in Thakheak and drying out all their stuff and hopefully they will be able to continue their journey today to the Vietnam border where they will try to get into Vietnam. Below is an article from the Vientiane Times of today about the floods.

A friend on Facebook indicated that yesterday the area of the guesthouse we had been staying in during our Laos school support trip in March this year was completely flooded as well.


Flash flooding hampers heavy vehicle movement in Borikhamxay

Heavy vehicle crossings on the Namthone Bridge on the No.13 South Road have been temporarily suspended after heavy rains caused landslides and flash flooding in Borikhamxay province over the weekend. The Department of Public Works and Transport said the landslide along the bridge that links the southern provinces to Borikhamxay and Vientiane posed a risk to its structure, and heavy vehicles would not be able to use the bridge until further notice. Empty buses are allowed to cross the bridge if passengers disembark and walk over to the opposite side in order to avoid too much strain from excessive weight. The landslide and flooding occurred after heavy rain began early on Sunday and continued throughout the day.



Floodwaters created difficulties for those who use the No.13 South Road, one of the country's main economic corridors, forcing commuters to take another route. Many areas along the road in Borikhamxay experienced heavy rain, particularly the Km 20 junction road, where flood levels reached about 1.2m, cutting off transport and affecting housing and rice paddies. The flood impacted about one kilometre of road and delayed a number of buses.

Road conditions returned to normal yesterday, while low-lying areas with houses and rice paddies remain under threat from flooding. According to some residents, flood levels were higher than what was officially recorded. Villagers explained the flood flash was higher than the record for the area. They have been told to remain alert, with rain continuing to fall and floodwaters not yet totally receded. Residents living in the low-lying areas around the Xebangfai River in Khammuan province have also been put on notice of possible rising water levels. The weather bureau has warned drivers to check up-to-date information on current conditions before making the journey on the Road No.13 South.

By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun, (Latest Update July 30, 2013), Source: Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

UPDATE: Borikhamxay bridge to reopen to heavy vehicles soon

Repairs to Namthone Bridge on Road No 13 South in Pakkading district, Borikhamxay province are expected to be complete this week allowing heavy trucks to cross as normal, an official from the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism said. The bridge is about 100km from the provincial town of Pakkading and is 10km away from the Km 20 junction road.

“We are still not permitting heavy trucks to move across the bridge but we do expect the repairs to be wrapped up this week. However, buses and cars can continue to use caution and cross the bridge,” Mr Lamsamai said. He added that the water level is subsiding at the Km 20 junction where flood levels reached 1.2m last weekend. A bus station employee who doesn't want to be named, said that most roads are passable after the rains but large potholes have appeared as a result of the severe weather.

Adapted from Vientiane Times