Laos flood alert

The Mekong River in Laos has risen above flood levels and warnings have been issued by local authorities.

Several areas of the capital, Vientiane, are already experiencing flooding, including the Thadeaua Road area and near Wattay International airport, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) reports.

Large areas of agricultural land in low lying areas have already been damaged in Bokeo, Xaignbouri and Vientiane provinces.

Travellers are warned to move inland from areas affected by flooding and to avoid travelling on small river craft on the Mekong.

Local media reports that the water levels are likely to rise further before slowly falling over the next few days.

The monsoon season in this part of south-east Asia commonly runs from June to November.