VIENTIANE, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Continuous rainfall over several days has caused severe waterlogging of streets and traffic disruptions in Lao capital Vientiane.
"I faced prolonged traffic congestion when I drove back home yesterday as the rainfall had flooded the streets," Bounsap, a Vientiane resident, told Xinhua on Tuesday.
"I think we need to do more to clean up our roads to prevent floods as plastic bags and dust clog the drains, and when there's a storm, the streets are flooded," said Bounsap.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Tuesday issued a warning, advising people to be vigilant and wary of potential flooding, particularly in the central and northern provinces.
Sidavone, a Vientiane resident, said "Of course, I want to stay at home because the severe waterlogging has led to the virtual paralysis of the city's road traffic. But I have a job to do, and my kids need to go to school."
"I think the problem is poor drainage management. It's essential to clear away the dust and mud from main roads. And I urge people not to sweep soil and waste into drains because it obstructs the flow of water."
Many Lao people shared videos and images of waterlogged roads through social media platforms, showing knee-level flooding and cars struggling to navigate the flood in the city. ■
