Transboundary Flooding & Landslides in Lao PDR and Thailand

On 24 August 2024

Source: (1) ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (2) Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Ministry of Interior. Thailand [DDPM] and (3) The Center for Agricultural Statistics, Department of Planning and Coordination, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.

References:

• https://ahacentre.org/flash-update/flash-update-no-01-transboundary-flooding-and-landslides-lao-pdr-and-thailand-24-august-2024/
• https://direct.disaster.go.th/directing/cms/8728?id=115185

Heavy Rainfall Triggers Severe Flooding in Lao PDR and Thailand

On 23 August 2024, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) of Lao PDR reported severe flooding across six districts in Xayaboury Province, caused by continuous heavy rainfall since 20 August. The floods have led to extensive damage, affecting large swathes of agricultural land and posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of local farmers.

LAO PDR

Impact on Affected Areas

The floods have inundated a total of 1,685.87 hectares across Xayaboury Province. Of these, 593.03 hectares have been either destroyed or are expected to suffer extensive damage.

Agricultural Devastation

The floods have severely impacted several key crops in the region:

• Paddy fields: 1,621.48 hectares affected, with an estimated economic loss of USD 513,165.
• Maize: 58.68 hectares affected, valued at USD 26,227.
• Cassava: 61.93 hectares affected, valued at USD 123,345.
• Other crops: 13.75 hectares affected, valued at USD 18,587.

Government Response and Countermeasures in Lao PDR

In response to the disaster, the Lao government has outlined several countermeasures:

• Allocating a budget to restore the damaged land.
• Planning to provide seeds, manufacturing materials, fertilizers, and pesticides to support affected farmers for the next planting season.
• Coordinating with public organizations, private entities, and non-profit organizations to mobilize financial assistance for the affected farmers.

Thailand

Between 16-23 August 2024, a combination of a moderate monsoon trough, a low-pressure cell in Vietnam, and the southwest monsoon caused severe flooding across multiple provinces in Thailand and is expected to have more additional impact in days later.
The floods have affected 11 provinces, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage to communities.

Impacted Provinces and Current Situation

Initial Impact (11 provinces): Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Phrae, Phetchabun, Udon Thani, Rayong, Phuket, Yala.

Extent of Damage

• 23 August 2024 situation: 44 districts, 188 sub-districts, and 21,767 households
  remain affected.
• Casualties: 10 deaths and 19 injuries.

Government Response and Countermeasures in Thailand

DDPM has initiated several measures to manage and mitigate the ongoing disaster:

      1. Monitoring and Coordination:

A specialized working group has been established to monitor weather conditions and manage the situation from DDPM.

      2. Flood Disaster Plan Preparation:

The provincial flood disaster plan is under review and improvement. The plan now emphasizes critical areas such as:

• Identifying flood and landslide risk areas at the village/community level.
• Compiling lists of necessary tools, materials, equipment, and disaster machinery from various agencies.
• Determining safe points/areas for evacuation.
• Establishing temporary shelters.
• Assigning specific roles and responsibilities to agencies based on the command center's structure.

      3. Relief and Assistance:

• Authorities have distributed relief items and set up incident command centers to coordinate aid efforts.

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