Typhoon Noru, which has weakened and been downgraded to a tropical storm, made landfall in Laos and caused flooding in the southern province of Attapeu.

The weather bureau of Laos warned yesterday that there would be more heavy rains and flooding in other areas, Xinhua reported.

According to a report by the Lao National Radio, a large number of people had been affected by the storm and some 300 houses were believed to have been inundated in Sanxay district in Attapeu province, some 560km southeast of the Lao capital Vientiane, but full reports on the situation were still being compiled.

Noru reached Laos on yesterday and local authorities were trying to assist those whose homes had been flooded.

At least 2,000 people had taken refuge in shelters and moved away from swollen rivers, said the report.

Flooding had also destroyed fishponds and damaged irrigation systems, schools, power lines, healthcare facilities, roads and other infrastructure.

Local authorities were continuing to collect information about the extent of the damage.

According to the report, the Ministry of National Defence had mobilised about 40,000 soldiers with vehicles and boats to assist with rescue and relief operations.

The Lao authorities urged for the dams around the country to be closely monitored and for all to be prepared with emergency plans.

Heavy rainfall in Laos in August triggered floods that damaged houses and infrastructure, and inundated the capital as well as hundreds of hectares of farmland in many provinces. – Bernama, September 29, 2022.