Weather forecasters are warning people in seven central and southern provinces in low lying areas near rivers to be alert for tropical storm Ketsana, which is expected to hit these areas on Wednesday.
Head of the Weather Forecasting and Aeronautical Division of the Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Ms Souvanny Phonevilay, said the tropical storm was moving in a westerly direction. It is currently in the South China Sea. The storm is moving at about 10km per hour and is expected to reach central Laos tomorrow.
“The storm will hit Savannakhet and Khammuan provinces, and will bring heavy rain, strong winds and possible flash floods in central and southern parts of Laos,” she said.
Vientiane and the provinces of Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Xekong, Saravan and Attapeu could suffer damage as a result of the storm.
Residents in these areas should be alert to the possibility of flash floods from heavy rainfall and rivers.
“We will have further updates on the situation. The public should closely follow the reports issued by our department,” she said.
She said the name “Ketsana” was a Lao name, and referred to a tree that was like agarwood.
In 2006, southern Laos was hit by the storm Xangsane. In 2007 tropical storm Lekima also lashed the south of the country. Tropical storm Kammuri hit the south of China and was also felt in Laos.
By Panyasith Thammavongsa
September 29, 2009
Vientiane Times
