The Meteorology and Hydrology Department has issued a warning on possible landslides in Xieng Khuang and Borikhamxay provinces.
The warning comes after recent heavy rains increased the likelihood of landslips in mountainous terrain and along river catchment areas.
Authorities have warned people living along riverbanks and in upland areas to be alert to possible warning signs and take necessary precautions if there appears to be a landslide risk.
People in at-risk areas are advised to assess the dangers prior to going to bed at night, when changes in water runoff and soil movement are not so easily observed.
Telltale signs of soil movement include changes in water runoff patterns, streams emerging in new areas, excessive soil in runoff water, ground subsidence, leaning buildings or trees, and unusual cracks or bulges at the base of steep-sided hills.
A low pressure system currently prevails over Laos, with showers and intermittent heavy rains likely in most parts of the country over the next few days, Weather Forecasting and Aeronautical Division Deputy Head Mr Vandy Douangmala told the Vientiane Times yesterday.
While the low pressure system will bring heavy rains in some areas, it is not expected to result in widespread flooding as occurred during tropical storms Haima and Nock-Ten.
Mr Vandy believes there is the possibility of another tropical storm in the next month or so. Laos is usually affected by one to three severe weather events in a typical year.
If another storm doesn't develop in the near future, Laos will be safe until next year's wet season, he said. Mr Vandy added that every year about 10 tropical storms develop over the western Pacific Ocean, but not all of them impact directly on Laos.
Tropical storm Haima, which hit Laos in June, caused widespread flooding and landslides in the northern and central provinces, and resulted in the deaths of 17 people. Hundred of houses and thousands of hectares of farmland were destroyed. The storm caused about 700 billion kip worth of damage in total.
Tropical storm Nock-Ten hit the central provinces, killing six people and damaging almost 100,000 hectares of rice fields in Khammuan, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces. Many roads and irrigation systems are still in need of repair, with funding yet to be secured.
