On March 23 — Phoxay Xayasone, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, has led a relief mission to storm-affected communities in Sikhottabong District following a severe hailstorm that struck the Lao capital.

The storm, which hit on the evening of March 22, caused widespread damage across several villages. Visiting the affected areas on Monday, Phoxay—also serving as Standing Vice President of the National Disaster Management Committee—assessed the situation, offered support to residents, and delivered emergency relief supplies.

Preliminary assessments indicate that more than 2,000 households were impacted across five villages in Vientiane. The hardest-hit areas include Viengkhame and Chansavang, each reporting damage to more than 1,000 households. Phonesomboon village recorded over 100 affected households, while Nongda and Tadthong villages reported limited damage.

Public infrastructure was also affected, with four schools, one temple, and a village office sustaining damage.

Authorities have mobilized emergency assistance, with the National Disaster Management Committee allocating a relief budget of 1.402 billion kip. Aid includes rice, household and hygiene kits, mosquito nets, plastic mats, and drinking water to support affected families.

Officials say additional efforts are underway to secure construction materials such as roofing supplies to accelerate repairs to damaged homes. Longer-term recovery plans will focus on restoring livelihoods, with targeted assistance to households coordinated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and local authorities.

The response highlights the government’s efforts to provide immediate relief while preparing for sustained recovery following extreme weather events.

KPL