What can we do to mitigate the risks posed by flooding and landslides?

The rainy season has begun and heavy rainfall has led to floods and landslides that have damaged roads, other infrastructure and houses. Authorities have warned the public to closely monitor forecasts to prepare themselves for weather extremes, especially flooding. Vientiane Times asked members of the public about ways to reduce these risks and to prevent problems.
 

Ms Kingsada, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: During the rainy season, heavy rains can occur at any time, and flooding can happen anywhere. We have to be careful and should have a good plan in place to avoid being affected by rising rivers and to keep our property safe. We should follow weather forecasts on radio, television, newspapers and social media. Everyone, especially those who live near rivers, should be cautious and closely monitor water levels. They should have a plan to protect themselves and their property if there is an incident. If there is an emergency, we should help each other to save lives and quickly inform the authorities.
 
Mr Noy, an employee in Vientiane province: Many houses and roads in the north risk being affected by landslides and flash floods because they are located at the foot of mountains and cliffs. To prevent accidents and the risks posed by landslides, there should be a specific group or unit to regularly monitor high-risk areas and be on the alert for problems. If there is a landslide or flood, the authorities should get to the site quickly and do what they can to resolve problems. The authorities should also be responsible for helping local communities when there’s a flood or a landslide. There should be a hotline number that people can call to alert the relevant officials to a problem. This would help to reduce dangers and keep people safe.
 
Ms Sounaly Phommakone, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: During the rainy season, whether travelling to the south or north, everyone should be aware of road safety and avoid the dangers associated with landslides. I have heard about landslides blocking roads this year, especially in the north. And roads can get damaged at any time because of heavy rain. The wet season always causes problems for motorists, and there are also more accidents. Before travelling, motorists should check weather forecasts to make sure conditions are safe.

Mr Khamphut, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: It is a normal for floods and landslides to happen in the rainy season. However, we should try to find better solutions to these issues, especially landslides, because they waste people’s time by blocking their way and in the worst case can cause accidents that damage vehicles and can even kill people. I think the authorities should have regular monitoring stations so that warnings can be issued if danger or a hazardous situation seems imminent. This would go a long way to preventing the kind of problems we currently experience.
 
Ms Tee, a resident of Xaysettha district, Vientiane: Flooding occurs around rivers every year, as this is a natural outcome of the rainy season. Unfortunately, it often has severe impacts on people who live near rivers and streams. Of course, everyone should be aware of the need to protect themselves and their property. We should also do our best to protect children in the rainy season because they are often at risk. Everyone should be cautious when driving in the rain because road accidents or landslides can happen at any time. It’s good that the government is paying close attention to this issue and reminding all agencies to try to prevent problems and help flood victims. But we need a better system in place to assist flood victims in both the short- and long-term, and more money must be provided for this.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update May 24, 2022)