Minister for Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Phosay Sayasone, receives humanitarian relief supplies from Australian Ambassador, Ms Megan Jones at Wattay International Airport.

Australia strengthens disaster relief support for Laos

Australia has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Laos by delivering emergency relief supplies worth more than 1.3 billion kip to strengthen disaster preparedness under the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 programme.
A handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at Wattay International Airport to mark the arrival of humanitarian supplies delivered by a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 aircraft, according to the Australian Embassy in Vientiane.
Australian Ambassador to Laos, Ms Megan Jones, Brigadier Jen Harris, Commander of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025, and Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Beumer, handed over the supplies to Minister for Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Phosay Sayasone.
The assistance, valued at AUD 98,000, includes 360 hygiene kits, 360 kitchen kits, 2,200 blankets, 2,800 mosquito nets, and 1,800 mats, which will benefit more than 1,800 people across the country.
“Australia remains committed to supporting the Lao government’s efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies,” Ms Jones was quoted as saying.
“We are also pleased to know that the humanitarian supplies delivered over the past three years have supported many families affected by flooding across several provinces in Laos,” she added.
Mr Phosay said the delivery would enhance Laos’ capacity to respond promptly to natural disasters.
“These prepositioned humanitarian supplies are timely and valuable and will help us respond more effectively and promptly to the needs of families affected by natural disasters, especially during the rainy season,” he said. In addition to this delivery, Australia recently provided humanitarian supplies through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance to assist 15,000 people in Laos.
The support, valued at about US$260,000 (5.6 billion kip), included family kits, kitchen sets, and personal hygiene kits from the Subang warehouse in Malaysia.
These supplies have supported Laos’ response to Tropical Cyclone Wipha and the Southwest Monsoon. The Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 delivery complements this assistance by further improving preparedness and ensuring essential items are available when disasters strike.
According to the Central Disaster Management Committee, in July storm Wipha hit Xiengkhor, Huameuang, Viengxay, Sopbao and Xamneua districts in Huaphan province, where torrential rain and flooding caused extensive damage.
A total of 32 villages and 602 families were affected, with eight people confirmed dead and three still missing. More than 970 people were affected, with widespread damage to roads, housing and farmland.
Australia’s humanitarian support reflects the strength of its long-standing cooperation with Laos and ASEAN, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in humanitarian and emergency response efforts across the region.
Through regional initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Endeavour and its cooperation with ASEAN, Australia continues to stand with Laos in building a safer and more resilient future.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 12, 2025)