The Weather Forecasting and Aeronautical Division warned yesterday that Laos would feel the effects of Typhoon Hagupit, which is expected to hit northern Vietnam this afternoon.
The division's Deputy Head, Mr Bounteum Sisouphanthavong, said Laos would not feel the full force of the typhoon because it was a landlocked country and the storm would dissipate as it moved inland.
“According to our forecast, the typhoon will have a speed of about 70km per hour when it reaches Laos . We expect to feel the effects from Thursday to Saturday. We are warning people from Borikhamxay province northwards to prepare for strong wind, heavy rain, landslides and flash floods,” he said.
“Borikhamxay province and Vientiane may be less affected by the typhoon, but the northern provinces can expect three days of heavy rain and strong wind. People travelling to the north at this time should be on the alert for severe weather conditions.”
Typhoon Hagupit strengthened from a tropical storm in Taiwan and brushed Hong Kong on Tuesday before slamming into the South China coast, the Hong Kong Observatory said on the Association Press website.
“Now the typhoon is heading to the north of Vietnam and Laos ,” Mr Bounteum said.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath (Latest Update September 25, 2008)
