Lao personnel practise an emergency boat rescue, in preparation for the evacuation of flooded villages.

City leaders organise emergency flood response

A multi-agency flood preparedness drill took place at the Ang Nam Houm Reservoir in Vientiane on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen emergency response, rescue coordination, and social assistance delivery in flood-prone areas of the city.
The Vientiane Fire Prevention and Control Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with the China Rescue Foundation 1628 and the Underwater Search and Rescue Team for the Underprivileged, conducted the exercise in preparation forpotential flood situations.
The emergency rescue exercise was supported by the Overseas Chinese Assistance Centre.
Head of the Vientiane Fire Prevention and Control Police Department, Lieutenant Colonel Khampeht Dalavong, said the reason for the drill was to prepare personnel for potential incidents during the rainy season and ensure timely assistance.
The drill focused on the need for speed and efficiency in saving lives and moving people out of danger.
Head of the China Rescue Foundation 1628, Mr Xang Inthilath, noted that the drills are carried out every year.
Lessons learned from past experiences and real-life operations are incorporated to enhance capabilities, build readiness and responsibility among the teams involved, and establish standard operating procedures for joint operations.
These include water rescue, underwater rescue, evacuation of people in high-risk areas, and timely coordination of assistance.
In Laos, thousands of people are now suffering the effects of flooding after heavy rain in recent days has inundated their communities.
Huayxai district in Bokeo province, Xaybuathongdistrict in Khammuan province, and Pakxaengdistrict in Luang Prabang province have all been affected by varying degrees of flooding that occurred on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department has warned that more heavy rain is forecast throughout the country from July 16–20, with more flooding and landslides possible in many areas.

by Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 18, 2025)