VIENTIANE, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Several roads across Laos have been affected by landslides and subsidence after many weeks of rainfall, with extensive damage caused in some places.
The mountainous road between Sanakham district in Vientiane province and Paklai district in Xayaboury province is one of the worst affected, and authorities have warned motorists to avoid this route, according to Socio-Economic News report on Monday.
Landslides and subsidence have occurred in many places on steep mountainous roads, especially in the north of the country.
Drivers are advised to be on the alert for blocked or damaged roads and to drive slowly in areas where conditions are hazardous.
Many sections of the road have been damaged with large potholes, making travel particularly difficult for trucks.
Local authorities are arranging for repairs to be carried out as soon as possible to keep the road clear.
Meanwhile, people traveling in the north are advised to keep their eyes open and remain alert as many sections of the road are in poor condition following recent heavy rains.
In August, landslides stranded National Highway No. 8 between Khoun district in Khammuan province and Bolikhamxay province, killed a Vietnamese driver, crushed many vehicles, and pushed a number of cars into a ravine.
Recently, road crews have cleared most of the earth blocking Road No. 8, following an extensive landslide, but motorists should be prepared for further landslips.
The weather bureau of Laos on Monday warned that everyone should keep track of forecasts closely. In addition, local authorities have advised people living in mountainous areas and along rivers to be prepared for more flooding and landslides.
From the end of July to August, the central and northwestern provinces of Laos suffered from heavy rainfall as rivers overflowed their banks. More than 6,000 households and over 11,300 hectares of land in 123 villages were affected in Khammuan province. ■
