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Report and Disseminate the Information Regarding
the Serious Disaster
Flooding and Landslides in 10 Provinces in Lao PDR
August 2023
Source: Lao PDR; Center for Agricultural Statistics (CAS), Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. National Disaster Management Committee (NdMC), ASEAN Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS), National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)
References:https://reliefweb.int/report/lao-peoples-democratic-republic/lao-pdr-flood-2023-dref-assessment-no-mdrla009
https://reliefweb.int/report/lao-peoples-democratic-republic/lao-pdr-flood-2023-dref-assessment-no-mdrla009
https://reliefweb.int/report/cambodia/mrc-launches-channel-improve-public-awareness-flood-and-drought-risks-lower-mekong-river-basin
https://ahacentre.org/flash-update/flash-update-no-01-flooding-and-landslides-in-10-provinces-lao-pdr-9-august-2023/
According to the ASEAN Disaster Monitoring and Response System (DMRS), the southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall over Lao PDR causing flooding and landslide incidents since 4 August 2023. Regarding the water level across Lao PDR, a warning has been issued since 1 August regarding water levels across Lao PDR.
On 9 August 2023, a newly released report from the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) mentioned that 10 provinces namely, Vientiane Capital, Houaphan, Xaignabouli, Xiangkhouang, Vientiane, Bolikhamxai, Khammouan, Savannakhet, Champasak and Xaixomboun were affected by floods. The number of affected is 13,777 families or approximately 68,800 individuals who live within these provinces. 6 people died and 1 person is missing. The rainfall brought widespread flooding and landslides causing damage to infrastructure, it was reported that 67 roads were impassible, 67 irrigations malfunctioned, 3 district hospitals, 3 schools, and 110 vehicles were affected. The immediate needs for food and clean drinking water have become urgent priorities.
According to the report from the Center for Agricultural Statistics (CAS), Department of Planning and Cooperation on 8 September 2023, it reported that an agricultural area of 31,482 hectares was affected by flooding, with damage areas of 2,281 hectares. There was also a report of the number of livestock deaths in Khammuane province as follows 3,032 buffaloes, 7,189 cattle, 102 pigs, 51 goats, and 24,996 poultry. The total estimated damage cost was 19,199,305,000 LAK.
Regarding the countermeasures or policies toward this situation, the following government agencies and other relevant agencies provided immediate needs to the affected community:
- The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MOLSW), along with the Ministry of National Defense, provided essential aid to those affected in three provinces: Borlikhamxai, Khammuan, and Savanakhet. The assistance included consumer goods such as rice, sanitary appliances, household items, and clothing. The total value of this support amounted to 573,927,000 LAK. Furthermore, MLOSW extended its aid by distributing fuel vouchers to the flood-affected population in ten provinces. The total cost of this initiative reached 360,000,000 LAK. MOLSW is also taking a key coordinating role, working closely with provincial authorities.
- The Ministry of National Defense (MOD) provided mobilizing military forces and vehicles to support. They distributed non-food items and food items, as well as provided temporary shelter equipment in Borlikhamxay, Khammuan, Savanakhet, and Huaphan Provinces.
- The Ministry of Health (MOH) deployed a team equipped with a Mobile Water Purification Truck unit to produce clean water. They also distributed various water containers, including gallons, buckets, and water bowls, alongside essential medicines in Khammuan Province. The total value of this effort amounted to 418,573,868 LAK.
- The Laos Red Cross (LRC) is actively collaborating with the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) to provide assistance to affected people based on the capacity of the LRC. The final decision for LRC was guided by NDMC to support affected people in the two provinces of Khammoun and Bolikhamxai. The rest of the 8 provinces will be supported by Government and other agencies assigned by the government.
In terms of international support, there are some reports of international organizations accommodating in providing help for the affected people which are 27 personnel from the headquarters and branched from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) assisted in the assessment of needs for the affected. Personnel from the IFRC-Country Cluster Delegation (CCD) in Bangkok, Thailand will also support to LRC in monitoring field visits. In addition, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) as part of the ongoing Institutional Preparedness for National Society Development (IPNSD) initiative, has extended financial assistance to the LRC headquarters to support the Bolikhamxai branch for rapid response along with relief kits and drinking water.
Download a Word file, Click here ------------ > Flooding and Landslides in 10 provinces in Lao PDR
In late November and early December 2024, Malaysia and southern Thailand experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread damage, including landslides and agricultural devastation. In Malaysia, 25 districts across seven states were severely impacted, with households evacuated and extensive flooding reported. Similarly, southern Thailand experienced heavy rains and flash flooding, particularly in provinces affecting over 136,000 households. The floods severely damaged agricultural sectors, with significant losses in paddy rice and other crops, amounting to millions of dollars in damages in both countries. In response, both nations initiated emergency measures, including providing aid and conducting damage assessments. Malaysia focused on intensive assistance to affected households, while Thailand mobilized a range of relief efforts, including specialized equipment and emergency vehicles, to support flood-stricken regions. The agricultural losses in both countries highlight the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and more resilient agricultural systems.
The tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines in November 2024, including Yinxing, Oraji, Usagi, and Man-Yi, have caused widespread devastation across several provinces, resulting in heavy rainfall, severe winds, flooding, and significant agricultural damage. These storms have left communities grappling with extensive losses, including damaged crops, disrupted livelihoods, and displacement. Despite the severe impacts, the government of the Philippines, along with international aid from neighboring countries and global partners, has mobilized resources for relief and recovery. The ongoing efforts to assist those affected highlight the resilience of the Filipino people and the importance of continued preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
On 26-27 November 2024, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, the AFSIS Manager, participated in the 30th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30), held in Perth, Australia. This event was co-organized by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The forum's focus was to bring together stakeholders from various space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional issues through space-based solutions.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 22:57 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes, erupted on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, The eruption, lasting 24 minutes (1,450 seconds), was recorded with a massive amplitude of 47.3 mm. According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, a strong eruption sent ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), affecting over 10,000 people. Smaller eruptions followed on November 5-6. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to “Awas” (Level IV), indicating a high danger level.
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