VIENTIANE, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Continuous heavy rainfall in Laos has triggered rising river levels and widespread flooding across several villages, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.

In the early morning of Friday, several villages in Meun district in Vientiane province experienced continuous heavy rainfall for several hours, resulting in rapidly rising river levels and widespread flooding.

The prolonged rain caused streams and ponds to overflow, inundating homes, hospitals, bridges, agricultural fields, and some industrial plantations. Several roads were cut off, severely disrupting transportation and daily life, and making it difficult for residents to travel between villages, Lao National Radio reported on Friday.

In response, local authorities conducted on-site inspections in the affected areas. Residents living near rivers were urged to move livestock and belongings to higher ground and to remain on alert around the clock.

The country will continue to experience light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across all regions, with some areas expecting moderate to heavy rainfall and occasional strong winds, according to a report issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Friday. ■