(KPL) In response to the devastating floods caused by Typhoon Yagi, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in the Lao PDR has initiated emergency food distributions to support the most affected communities in the Lao PDR. 

Since June, floods, landslides and storms have afflicted an estimated 145,000 people around the country. Super Typhoon Yagi caused additional heavy rains, severe flooding and landslides from 9 September, temporarily displacing 33,000 people in two districts of Luang Namtha Province. As the aftermath of the storm is rippling across the country, causing further flooding downstream on the Mekong River and its tributaries, 40,000 people in Luang Namtha Province have been left in need of assistance. 

Following an official request for assistance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to WFP, rice distributions have begun in Luang Namtha Province today, where temporary food shortages are compounded by the loss of rice crops and agricultural land. In coordination with the Government of the Lao PDR and the Lao Red Cross, WFP is distributing 100 metric tonnes of rice to 14,000 severely affected people. 

“We are coordinating with the National Disaster Management Committee and other humanitarian actors for efficient and effective response and recovery actions. I hope these food distributions will provide some relief for people that have lost so much in Luang Namtha, but we want to make sure our expertise and capacities serve to building back better,” said Marc-Andre Prost, WFP Representative and Country Director in the Lao PDR. “We will continue working with local communities to restore livelihoods, improve food security, and strengthen disaster preparedness in the face of future climate-related shocks.”

“The impact of Typhoon Yagi on our province has been severe, and we are committed to get help to those in need,” said Mr. Sivilay Pankeo, Provincial Vice Governor and Chair of the Provincial Disaster Management Committee. “We value the collaboration with WFP and the Lao Red Cross, because it helps us to raise support from the donor community and provide assistance to our people on the ground.”

KPL