What can we do to mitigate the effects of storms?

With the hot season well and truly upon us, we can export more storms, which bring strong winds and torrential rain. Knowing that these storms can cause extensive damage. Vientiane Times sought opinions about the precautions we should take.
 

Ms Kongkham, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: In my opinion, we’re certainly seeing more extreme weather compared to the past. To be on the safe side, everyone should take note of weather forecasts so they know what to expect. I check out the Meteorology and Hydrology Department’s Facebook page, which gives weather forecasts every day. It very easy to get news about the weather on social media, which is what most people do. When we go out in heavy rain, we should stay clear of anything that might be unstable, such as big trees, billboards and electricity poles.  
 
Mr Vone, a resident of Xieng Khuang province: In the last few days I’ve read about the damage caused by storms, which is really serious. I’ve thought about what to do when it rains or there are strong winds or lighting. I will stay at home, not use my phone and not watch television during a thunderstorm. The most important thing is to check weather forecasts so that we know what’s coming and can plan accordingly.
 
Ms Nidda, a resident of Saravan province: During heavy rain I always see flooded roads, so we all should make sure that drainage channels are clear and remove any rubbish that’s blocking the flow of water. Anyone who’s travelling should take a raincoat and an umbrella and check that their vehicle is in good condition, especially the brakes, to reduce the risk of an accident.
Mr Somnuek Banchong a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane:
We can expect thunderstorms and heavy rain at any time, so I will stock up on food before a storm hits as it will be difficult to go out and buy food because of the slippery roads. Of course, it’s also a good idea to inspect our houses before the rain starts, including the roof, windows and walls, to make sure they’re watertight so that we won’t get any nasty surprises.
 
Ms Soulina, a vendor in Xaythany district, Vientiane:   I am very afraid of storms because they can destroy houses and crops, cause power outages, and can be life-threatening. We should do everything we can do to prepare, such as carrying out repairs to the exterior of houses and making sure everything’s in good condition. We should also curtail travel and stay away from trees and large and under-construction buildings during storms.

Ms Nuan Phanthavong, a resident of Vientiane: Of course, no one wants to have storms and strong winds but there’s nothing we can do to stop it. It’s all part of our natural climate and happens every year. But I feel we could do more to protect ourselves and our property. We should pay attention to weather alerts and follow any advice given so that we avoid the worst effects. These days it’s very easy to get information
about the weather. We can check what’s going on by reading the meteorology Facebook page or looking at our smartphones. However, I do think the media could provide more advice about what we can do to protect ourselves during times of extreme weather. Everyone needs to have more understanding of the situation and take serious steps to prevent damage.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update March 29, 2022)