VIENTIANE: Monsoon rains and flooding are continuing to cause significant damage and disruption to roads, agriculture and local communities.
In some areas, roads have been washed out, making access difficult, while many homes have been damaged or destroyed and farmers have reported major losses to their crops due to flooding and strong winds.
In response, local authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and providing emergency support to affected households.
Relief efforts include the provision of food supplies, temporary shelters and the restoration of roads and bridges. Provincial governments have called on national agencies and community organisations to assist in the recovery process.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as weather conditions remain uncertain.
In Huaphan, the provincial Deputy Governor Phonesouk Inthavong, along with officials from relevant provincial departments, last week viewed the impacts of flooding in Huameuang district, where rice fields and houses were inundated following torrential rain.
At the same time, a provincial taskforce delivered essential supplies to help local residents cope with the aftermath of the flooding, including rice, drinking water,and 20 million kip (US$927) in cash.
In addition, several families and provincial departments gave relief supplies to district leaders for distribution to affected families.
Meanwhile, in Vientiane province, Kasy district leaders teamed up with the district disaster management committee to evaluate the damage caused to people’s homes by flooding.
A digger was deployed to remove sand that had collected at a bridge between Namon Yai and Namon Aok so that floodwater could drain away and people could move around normally.
A fire truck was also used to help clear mud and debris from people’s houses and the local neighbourhood.
In Bolikhamxay province, more heavy rain caused flash floods and landslides.
Landslides blocked National Highway 1D for a while, but vehicles were able to pass, while the road between Thongmixay and Tam Heap villages was impassable, particularly Road 8A in the Phou Pha Marn area.
As of Monday morning, most vehicles were able to navigate the road, but conditions were difficult for low-powered vehicles.
Widespread flooding has also occurred in Viengthong district, with water submerging crop fields and the lower levels of houses.
In response, district authorities and other officials are attempting to provide emergency assistance.
In Khammuan province, authorities have warned drivers about landslides on Road 8 to Khounkham district, and in the Phou Pha Marn area at Khoun Ngern village.
Paddy fields in Khammuan have suffered both flood and pest damage. Nine districts, 201 villages, and 7,718 families are affected, and flooding has occurred on 8,172 hectares of farmland. - Vientiane Times/ANN
