Laos warns southern, central provinces of typhoon Gaemi

Lao Government Office has warned local residents and authorities in southern and central Laos of typhoon Gaemi's approach, which is threatening to bring flooding, strong winds, and landslides.

The tropical storm will move into Vietnam tonight, and is predicted to pass through Xekong, Attapeu and Champassak provinces from Saturday through to Monday, according to the Meteorology and Hydrology Department.

Typhoon Gaemi formed as a tropical depression in the central part of the South China Sea.

The department warned of light to heavy rains and strong winds through the southern provinces and centrally from Borikhamxay to Attapeu provinces.

The storm coincides with the country's National Teachers' Day, and schoolchildren will be on holiday on Monday. Families have been asked to keep an eye on their children in areas where there are weather alerts.

The department has also urged locals to listen out for weather forecasts.

Earlier this year, flooding caused by heavy rain destroyed many homes and killed people in the country's north, with Luang Prabang province the worst hit.

Rice and other commercial crops, roads, irrigation systems and businesses were also affected.