Flood & Landslide Alerts: Laos’ weather bureau warns of flash-flood and landslide risk as a low-pressure system brings scattered thunderstorms, moderate-to-heavy rain, and strong winds, with Khammuan, Bolikhamxay, and Huaphan flagged as high-risk areas. Disaster Preparedness: In Vietnam, severe northern storms and flooding (July 31–Aug 2) killed three children and injured one, with landslides blocking roads and damaging rice fields; authorities issued guidance to millions via mobile messaging and kept round-the-clock monitoring. Mineral Governance Push: Laos is moving to tighten mineral development management—targeting illegal mining, improving ESG standards, and expanding domestic processing—through a reviewed draft order and a shift away from exporting raw minerals. Digital Economy Cooperation: Laos hosted a Lancang-Mekong seminar to strengthen digital economy capacity, cross-border e-commerce, and common digital standards, aiming to narrow the digital development gap. Wildlife Trade Pressure: The U.S. again refused protection for endangered long-tailed macaques imported for biomedical research, keeping a major wildlife trade pathway active. Eco-Tourism Restart (Champasak): Champasak plans to reopen Khon Phasoy and Tad Pha Suam eco-tourism sites and upgrade tourism targets under green guidelines. Conservation & Rescue Spotlight: A Laos report highlights a moon bear’s first steps after years on an illegal bile farm, underscoring ongoing wildlife protection needs.