ຂປລ
Laos recorded 376 natural disaster incidents between 2021 and 2025, affecting more than one million people and causing economic losses exceeding 12.577 trillion kip, according to officials at a national disaster management review meeting held in Vientiane on March 16.
The meeting, which assessed disaster management work over the past five years and set strategic directions for 2026–2030, was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath.
Authorities reported that natural disasters including storms, floods, landslides and flash floods have become increasingly severe, largely driven by climate change and human activities.
During the five-year period, disasters resulted in 111 deaths and five people reported missing, while damaging infrastructure, agricultural land and public services across the country.
Northern provinces such as Huaphan, Luang Namtha, Sayaboury and Luang Prabang—areas that previously experienced limited flooding—recorded significant flood damage in 2024 and 2025, highlighting growing climate risks.
According to Vongkham Phanthanouvong, Head of the Social Welfare Department, Laos continues to face multiple threats including floods, landslides, earthquakes, disease outbreaks, drought and structural fires.
The government has prioritised rapid emergency response, rehabilitation of affected infrastructure and long-term recovery planning, with disaster recovery projects to be integrated into the national public investment plan.
The meeting also aimed to strengthen coordination and preparedness to improve the country’s capacity to respond to disasters in the 2026–2030 period.
KPL
