Relief support for worst-hit flood affected families in Lao PDR

Flood affected families in isolated villages in central Lao PDR have received much needed relief supplies from the US Embassy, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and World Vision International Lao PDR, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare.

Residents of Bolikhamxay Province were inundated by the recent flooding in Paksan and Bolikhan Districts.

“The water came spilling from the river into my village, flooding it. All of the 365 people in the village went to higher places. At its highest level, the water was about five metres above our village. It lasted for three days and now the village is accessible by road again. Still, all the rice fields and crops were damaged and some animals were lost. We still need support to recover from this disaster,” said Viengkham Lorvanxay, head of the village Women’s Union.

Latrines were also damaged. Many households need tarpaulins to cover damaged areas and large water-resistant containers to store their supplies.

“We supported 246 households (1,257 people) with hygiene kits, mosquito nets, shelter materials, and kitchen equipment. These kits are enabling better sanitation and protection for these vulnerable households. With these items, we are helping people to rebuild their lives in a way that makes them stronger for the future,” said Kingsada Sengsavang, Humanitarian Emergency Affairs Coordinator of World Vision International Lao PDR.

World Vision International Lao PDR procured these essential household items with US$20,000 provided by the U.S. Government and facilitated through IOM’s Disaster Response Training Project.

IOM Vientiane Head of Office, Doug Foskett said he was "Very pleased to be involved in assisting the flood victims get back on their feet after this setback." He noted that the way the three organisations had worked together, “Showed what could be achieved through efficient cooperation and a shared focus alongside our Government partners."

The equipment was distributed to the flood affected families by officials from the U.S. Embassy, IOM and World Vision, with the support of the Department of Social Welfare.