KPL
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Detsongkham Thammavong, on Aug. 6 conducted an inspection of landslide damage along National Road 8A in the Phou Phaman mountain pass following several days of heavy rainfall that caused extensive disruption to one of Laos’ key transport corridors linking the country with Viet Nam.
The inspection was carried out jointly with Borikhamxay Governor Khamvanh Panyanouvong and senior officials from relevant agencies after severe flooding and landslides disrupted traffic in Khounkham District, Khammouane Province.
According to provincial authorities, continuous heavy rainfall beginning on Aug. 3 triggered nine landslides affecting approximately 400 meters of roadway and caused seven major sections of road embankment failure spanning 435 meters. At one of the most critical points, more than 20 meters of roadway adjacent to a bridge approach was washed away.
The disaster also damaged more than 3.5 kilometers of roadside drainage infrastructure and inundated five sections of the highway covering a combined distance of approximately 3.2 kilometers, rendering parts of the route completely impassable.
Immediately following the incident, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in coordination with Borikhamxay provincial authorities, the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, and contractors, mobilized personnel and heavy machinery to undertake emergency restoration works.
Officials noted that the most challenging repair site is located at Kilometer 31+600, where large boulders continue to obstruct the roadway. Clearance operations will require controlled drilling and blasting prior to the commencement of safe reconstruction works.
Authorities expect that temporary restoration measures, including the backfilling of eroded road sections, will allow light vehicles to resume passage by Aug. 8, while a comprehensive assessment of total damage and long-term rehabilitation costs is currently underway.
KPL
