September 3, 2024
VIENTIANE – Many areas of Laos have suffered flooding after rainy season precipitation reached its peak in July and August, with extensive damage caused to houses, infrastructure, and farms, according to the Central Disaster Management Committee.
Around 125 houses were flooded, while livestock, roads and bridges, schools, health centres, electricity supplies and other structures were affected, with the damage bill estimated at more than 318 billion kip to date.
The worst of the rain was caused by tropical storm Prapiroon, in addition to normal monsoon rainfall. Rivers burst their banks and heavy water runoff caused landslides, affecting 13 provinces, 60 districts, 541 villages, and 17,548 families.
Many people were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge on higher ground.
The Central Disaster Management Committee has appealed for emergency assistance so that provincial authorities can help families recover from the flooding, get roads cleared, and restore electricity supplies, as well as clean up schools ahead of the start of the academic year.
Local authorities are trying to keep everyone safe and providing assistance wherever possible.
If provincial authorities struggle with communication and are unable to cope with the challenges they face, they will appeal to the Central Disaster Management Committee for support.
The capital and provincial disaster management committees will report on local funding capabilities and the capacity of local officials to access funding and restore conditions to normal.
The worst affected provinces will be identified so that the government agencies concerned can provide funding and supplies to help communities that are struggling to cope.
Individuals and entities that would like to donate money to help their fellow citizens can contact the Central Disaster Management Committee, provincial committees, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to find out how to channel their support in the most effective way.
Provincial authorities and local communities are now faced with the daunting task of repairing electricity systems, ensuring adequate provision of clean water, cleaning up schools and health facilities, and repairing houses.
District disaster management committees will be on the alert for further flooding and prepare to tackle more serious situations if heavy rainfall continues, as well as deal with a possible outbreak of disease.
Authorities will closely monitor weather forecasts so they can prevent or manage emergencies.
The central and local disaster management committees will coordinate in efforts to provide support where it is most needed.