The government and the private sector are working to provide relief for households affected by flooding after heavy rain lashed the north last month, with the assistance provided so far insufficient for heavily impacted communities.
According to the Lao Red Cross, some families are calling for more essentials such as food and construction materials to repair or rebuild their houses.
Local farmers’ groups have offered their help with repairs and improvements to damaged irrigation systems and roads. Farmers are also calling for more rice and seeds so they can replant crops in flooded fields.
The affected areas are mainly in the provinces of Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bokeo, Xayaboury, Huaphan, Xieng Khuang and Xaysomboun.
Local and foreign donors who would like to help those affected by the floods may contact the Lao Red Cross on 021 253014, 021 216610, 020 2224 9180, or 020 2222 6397.
The Lao Red Cross and its partners recently provided basic relief items to people in Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Phongsaly provinces after flooding in the wake of heavy rain from August 8-23.
They delivered rice, dried food and clothing along with household essentials to families in the districts of Nan, Phonxay, Chomphet and Xiengngeun in Luang Prabang province and Houn and Baeng districts in Oudomxay province.
The Lao Red Cross also provided assistance to people affected in various ways after lightning struck Phongsaly province.
Flooding has also affected public places in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces.
More than 100 villages with 2,483 households in Oudomxay province suffered flood damage after heavy rain from August 11-16. Power lines and main roads were damaged, causing travel disruption.
More than 1,074 hectares of farmland and 59 fish farms were damaged, according to provincial authorities.
Some 155 villages with 3,973 households in Luang Prabang province were affected by floods after heavy rain from August 8-21. About 90 houses were damaged, another 44 houses were washed away completely and four people were declared dead. Main roads, bridges, schools, health care offices, irrigation channels, irrigation dams and electricity poles were also affected.
According to Luang Prabang provincial authorities, more than 1,150 hectares of rice fields, 95 hectares of fruit plantations and over 280 hectares of other crops and farmland were damaged, while cattle and other animals were affected.
Source: Vientiane Times
