Manythone Keolangsy

(KPL) The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has estimated the damages caused by recently tropical storm Sonca at 55.5 billion kip.

Over 21,600 families have been reportedly affected by the tropical storm which has claimed 10 people’s lives.

One hundred and thirty houses were swept away and 19 houses partly damaged by flood water, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Khampheng Xaysompheng told the monthly cabinet meeting in Vientiane Capital on Aug 24.

The meeting was held between Aug 21-22.

The tropical storm Sonca hit all of parts of the country between the end of July and early this month causing heavy rain, strong winds, landslides and flash flooding in several provinces.

“The incident has caused deaths and severe damages to properties of local residents such as farmlands, houses, schools, temples, dispensaries and basic infrastructure in 13 provinces across the country,” said Mr Khampheng.

Damages and losses have been reported in Phongsaly, Huaphan, Oudomxay, Xayabouly, Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Saravane, Xekong, Champassack and Attapeu.

“This is a tentative report on the damages caused by the natural disaster. However, some provinces namely Savannakhet, Khammouane and Huaphanh are still working on collecting data on the damages caused by the natural disaster,” said Mr Khampheng.

The ministry has been working with affected provinces to mobilise relief assistance for the victims’ families. So far more than 870 million kip has been provided to flood victims as relief aid but this amount is much smaller than that actually needed.

“The package we have just provided is for building houses for the people who have lost their houses in flooding events,” said Mr Khampheng.

KPL