Flooding in Oudomxay province. --Photo Socio-Economic News

Flood-hit Laos receives US$1.13 million in emergency insurance payouts

Laos has received US$1.1375 million in insurance payouts after flooding affected more than 260,000 people across the country, as authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and help affected communities recover.
The Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility (SEADRIF) made the payments after official disaster impact figures exceeded the 200,000-person threshold set under the insurance policies covering the Lao government and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
According to the Lao News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Khamlieng Outhakaisone, Chairman of the Central Committee for Disaster Management, visited Oudomxay province on September 1 to view flood-affected areas and coordinate assistance with provincial and district authorities.
Oudomxay was hit by three rounds of flooding in August following periods of heavy rain. The first two events affected 35 villages and 688 families of 3,985 people in Baeng, Namor, Nga and La districts. Preliminary damage was estimated at more than 48.4 billion kip.
The latest flood on August 29-30 affected 81 villages in Namor, Xay and La districts. Damage was reported to homes, businesses, schools, government offices, roads and bridges, electricity and communication systems, livestock, farmland and vehicles.
Four people were injured in the floods, while one woman remains missing and a Chinese national died.
Before travelling to Oudomxay, General Khamlieng visited Luang Namtha province, where 2,463 households in 33 villages of Luang Namtha district were affected, along with 21 villages in Nalae district.
River levels in Luang Namtha have started to fall, but authorities remain on alert because more rain is forecast. General Khamlieng called for roads to be cleared, damaged houses to be made habitable and floodwater to be removed from farmland so that residents can return to normal activities.
Authorities in Oudomxay are continuing to assess losses and provide essential assistance, while repairs are being carried out to restore damaged infrastructure and services.
Under the latest insurance payout, Laos received US$1 million from its US$8 million annual coverage, while WFP received US$137,500 from its US$1.1 million policy.
SEADRIF said the payments were released within five business days after the official disaster data passed the agreed threshold. The insurance policy uses the number of people affected, as reported by the National Disaster Management Office, to trigger payouts.
The government’s two-year policy provides up to US$16 million in multi-peril protection. It paid out US$2 million in 2025 following the combined flood impacts of Tropical Cyclones Wutip and Wipha and monsoon rains.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 4, 2026)