VIENTIANE: Laos is stepping up efforts to strengthen flood management and improve urban environmental conditions in order to reduce flood risks and related impacts during the 2026 rainy season.
The National Water Resources Committee (NWRC) held its meeting to review and approve the 2026 flood response plan while assessing the readiness of relevant agencies in managing water resources, reservoirs, and flood risks across the country.
During the meeting on June 11, officials reported progress in key preparations, including the dissemination of regulations to hydropower operators, standardization of flood management procedures, appointment of local coordinators at dam sites, and a nationwide review of hydropower projects.
Discussions also covered weather and hydrological forecasts, flood modelling for the Mekong River and its tributaries, reservoir operations, irrigation systems, and urban flood mitigation measures, alongside proposed improvements to water-related legislation.
On Tuesday (June 16), a meeting was held in Vientiane focusing on the exchange of experiences and the discussion of ongoing challenges in urban management, particularly flooding, waste disposal, wastewater treatment, and drainage systems, as well as efforts to improve overall environmental quality in urban areas.
Participants reviewed current implementation progress, identified key difficulties, and proposed joint solutions to strengthen garbage management, improve drainage infrastructure, and enhance urban planning and organisation.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between central and local authorities to ensure more effective urban governance. - Xinhua
