(KPL) In an interview with the media today, Sep 18, 2024, Leepao Yang, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Fund, provided an update on the widespread damage caused by several storms. 

Depressions, Tropical Storm Prapiroon, and Typhoon Yagi have devastated 15 provinces, affecting 100 districts, 1,144 villages, and over 176,000 people.

The storms left a significant toll on the country, with five reported deaths, one missing, and 182 households evacuated to temporary shelters. 

Moreover, 169 homes were destroyed, and essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and irrigation systems, was severely damaged. 

Affected farmlands spanned over 13,139 hectares, while over 13,400 livestock were lost, with initial damage estimates reaching over 477 billion Lao kip (approximately USD 21.5 million).

Yang expressed gratitude to the Lao people, government organizations, and business community for their contributions to the National Disaster Management Fund. The fund has received cash donations amounting to over 32 billion kip, alongside necessary supplies.

Since July, the country has endured three major storms that have caused extensive flooding, particularly in the capital Vientiane, as well as in Luang Namtha, Khammuan, and several northern provinces. 

Mr Leepao detailed that the storms led to damage in over 87 irrigation systems, 262 roads, and 12 bridges. Public buildings, including five schools, also suffered damage.

In response, the Lao government, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Committee, has deployed national defense forces, local authorities, and volunteers to assist in the evacuation and relief efforts. Temporary shelters, food, clean water, and medical supplies were distributed to those affected, ensuring immediate needs were met.

The National Disaster Management Fund has allocated 1 billion kip to six provinces most severely impacted, and distributed relief items valued at over 5 billion kip, including food, drinking water, blankets, and mosquito nets. Health services were also set up in two temporary locations to provide vaccines and medical treatment to affected individuals.

Relief aid has come not only from within Laos but also from international allies, with the governments of Australia and India providing financial aid totaling 3.6 billion kip (approximately USD160,000). This international support plays a crucial role in the ongoing recovery efforts.

To ensure efficient use of resources, the government emphasized strict oversight in the allocation of disaster relief funds. Mr Leepao urged the public to report any misuse of funds or inappropriate management of donations to the relevant authorities for investigation. He also called for continued cooperation and support from all sectors, both domestic and international, in the ongoing recovery.

KPL