Storm damages hundreds of houses in northern Laos

A storm passed through northern Laos' Xayaboury province, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and hail, and left a trail of destruction in 20 villages, with 520 houses affected. The storm hit the province on Tuesday at around 4:00 p.m. local time, causing damage to seven schools, the provincial hospital, a market, and five temples, as well as army, health, judicial, education, and transport offices. In addition, nine electricity poles and 22 kV power lines were damaged, as well as a chicken farm and seven vehicles, the local news website Lao Pattana News reported on Friday. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha