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Floods a fresh blow to the economy

Floods that have ravaged many parts of Laos in recent days will be a further setback to economic growth and people’s livelihoods.
The damage done to crops will undermine local economies and slow farmers’ efforts to escape poverty, posing further challenges for the government.
A senior official from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has said it will cost billions of kip to rebuild the livelihoods of people affected by flooding.
Following many hours of heavy rain unleashed by tropical storm Mulan and earlier downpours, at least 200 villages in seven provinces have been affected. Many families have moved into shelters after their single-storey homes were partly submerged. 

Severe flooding is affecting many areas of Laos.

The deluge struck the capital Vientiane and Savannakhet, Saravan, Xayaboury, Luang Prabang, Huaphan and Champassak provinces.
The floods inundated an estimated 10,000 homes, restaurants, other buildings and bridges, while water and electricity supplies were cut off in some areas.
The delivery of relief supplies and recovery operations are underway to help people get back on their feet, while the government has appealed for support from members of the public and other countries to tackle the situation.
Provincial authorities are working to repair bridges and roads and assist volunteers with the distribution of money, food and clothing to people who are temporarily homeless.
Although flood-hit communities have received some assistance from provincial authorities, NGOs and other donors, many families need help with health services, hygiene and sanitation, and the provision of general consumer items.
Apart from helping villagers in need, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has advised local authorities to plan for rehabilitation and identify what crops need to be grown and what animals should be bred after the floodwaters recede.
Rebuilding people’s livelihoods is of critical importance for authorities, to enable villagers to recover from the impacts of the flooding.
As of August 15, some 140 villages in four districts of Saravan province had been inundated, including over 1,000 hectares of paddy fields, according to the latest report from the province.
Flooding has also destroyed fishponds and damaged irrigation systems, schools, electricity transmission lines, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure. 
In Savannakhet province, floods have affected healthcare centres and other facilities. 
Authorities in Xayaboury, Luang Prabang and Huaphan provinces are working to help villagers in need. Provincial officials said the prime minister had told them to plan for rehabilitation and identify the best ways to restore life to normal.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update August 17, 2022)

   

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