(KPL) The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare organized a community walk on November 16, 2024, at That Luang Lake to commemorate ASEAN Day for Disaster Management (ADDM) and International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR). Both days fall on Oct 13.

The event, held under the theme "Promoting Community Participation in Comprehensive and Sustainable Post-Disaster Recovery," was attended by prominent figures, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, who also serves as President of the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC), Minister of Labor and Social Welfare and Standing Vice President of the NDMC Baikham Khatthiya, Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Phouvong Vongkhamxao, Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Laos, alongside representatives from relevant sectors and general public members. 

Mr. Vongkham Phanthanouvong, Director General of the Department of Social Welfare and member of Secretariat of the NDMC, stated that this year walk event’s theme aligns with the motto for ASEAN Day for Disaster Management and International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024.

Laos observes October 13 as the national day for disaster management, in line with many other countries worldwide. Annual ceremonies are held during October to mark ADDM, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Laos’ National Disaster Management Day.

Over the years, natural disasters globally have increased in frequency and severity due to climate change. In Laos, disasters such as floods have affected several provinces annually, including in 2024, causing widespread impact on communities and economies. This emphasizes the need for proactive and coordinated disaster preparedness and recovery efforts at the national and international levels.

The event highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration across communities, stakeholders, and policymakers to ensure sustainable disaster recovery strategies, ultimately building a more resilient society.

KPL