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Lao PDR

Lao PDR: Flooding - Office of the UN Resident Coordinator Situation Report No. 02 (as of 25 July 2018)

Attachments

Highlights

  • Tropical storm Son-Tinh has affected many provinces causing heavy rainfall and flooding in Borkeo, Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Luang Prabang, Huaphan, Xiengkhuang, Bolikhamxay. Khammouan, Savannakhet, Xekong and Attapeu. This is the largest flood the country has seen in the past ten years.

  • The report will focus on the most seriously affected areas of Sanamxay District. Attapeu Province.

  • An incident at the Saddle Dam D, XepienXenamnoy Hydropower dam construction in Attapeu Province affected thirteen villages (eight were more affected) and displaced 587 families.

  • The Government has declared the affected areas as National Disaster Area. Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Sonexay Siphandone has been appointed to lead the emergency relief.

  • Response activities have started with several UN agencies joining ministries rapid assessment teams to the field today.

  • The UN has advised against all but essential travel to Attapeu Province as disaster relief efforts are underway. If travel is needed, please be aware of the potential risks as heavy rainfall is anticipated from 26 to 30 July. This will continue to hamper response activities in the field.

Situation Overview

  • The flash floods have caused severe damages to properties by submerging basic infrastructure, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, cultivation fields and irrigation system. This has long term socio-economic impacts as it disrupt the livelihoods and well-being of the local communities.

  • Sanaxay Districts:

  • 43 villages of which 13 are affected

  • It has a population of 35.553 of which 17,622 are female, a total of 6891 families.

  • 587 families (around 3,060 people) are displaced and registered to stay at temporary emergency shelter

  • 243 houses damaged, of which 20 are totally damaged

  • 131 people remains missing

  • Impacts on Lifelines and Public Infrastructures include the following:

  • Clean water systems were cut off.

  • Helicopters and boats are the only means of transportation in the affected areas. The road system is disconnected.

  • Schools in the safe areas are being used as evacuation centres.

  • Based on the initial assessment conducted by the Government, the following immediate needs have been identified:

  • Rescue boats

  • Mobile toilet

  • Food

  • Tents for emergency shelter for 1,370 families

  • Personal Hygiene Kits for 6,630 people

  • 1,370 set of housing repair kits

  • Command post tent with operations and support equipment

  • Clothing

  • Drinking water

Disclaimer

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.