Landfill Fire Covers Laos Capital in Toxic Smoke
Smoke covered the skies in and around Xaythany District over the weekend, with residents complaining of the stench. Authorities have yet to make a statement regarding the fire, which is believed to have begun Saturday morning. The landfill site at KM 32 in Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, is filled with a range of flammable materials that make fires at the site are difficult to control. Vientiane Capital has recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 152, which lies within the unhealthy range, according to reports.
It took several days for firefighters to fully douse the blaze, with authorities calling on residents living in the area to wear face masks as protection against toxic fumes caused by the fire.
Latsamy Phonevilay
