Highlights
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On 7 September Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm in the region in decades, made landfall in Northern Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (PDR).
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An estimated 200,000 people, including at least 30,000 families and an estimated 48,500 children, have been impacted, with at least 24,000 children in need of critical support.
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Preliminary information from the Government indicates that there has been serious damage, affecting communities across Northern and Central areas, including in Vientiane Capital.
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Immediate concerns include limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services, particularly for 92,000 people in need of water, sanitation, and health services. In addition, 10,000 children and adolescents affected by the floods are in need of community-based mental health and psychosocial support services.
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The ongoing crisis is worsened by the potential for more storms and floods as Lao PDR is still in its rainy season, which could further deepen the humanitarian situation. An additional 80,000 people are at risk of being in critical need due to ongoing heavy rains.
SITUATION IN NUMBERS
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Up to 200,000 people affected with 92,000 in need of assistance including 37,000 women.
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At least 48,500 children affected and 24,000 in need of urgent support.
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At least 30,000 families from 1,300 villages in need of support.
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77 schools & 11 health facilities severely damaged, 20,000 affected students.
Funding Overview and Partnerships
UNICEF Lao PDR has been able to mobilize some funds from UNICEF’s internal resources (including Regional Humanitarian Thematic Funds) and is utilizing these to conduct rapid needs assessments, procure emergency supplies and implement immediate response actions. Line Ministries have so far requested urgent support for materials including WASH supplies and learning materials.
UNICEF is closely monitoring the situation, relying on sector assessments conducted by the government, UNICEF and development partners, as well as an interactive map developed by UNCIEF that uses satellite images and AI to estimate the number of people affected and in need. While awaiting the detailed impact reports from the Government’s rapid assessment missions to guide more in-depth response and recovery planning, UNICEF has started scoping the response and recovery, and reaching out to donors to explore funding available for immediate response. The initial estimated funding requirement for UNICEF’s lifesaving response is approximately USD 935,000. UNICEF will mobilize funds and expertise to support the Government response and recovery plans in support of children, women, and families in the most affected areas - in line with UNICEF’s Core Commitments for Children.
Situation Overview
On 7 September 2024, Typhoon Yagi struck central and northern Lao PDR, causing widespread flooding and affecting up to 200,000 people – including at least 30,000 families and 48,500 children. The hardest-hit provinces include Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane Capital. 92,000 people in immediate need of life-saving assistance, including at least 24,000 children and 37,000 women.
The ongoing rainy season continues to hamper aid delivery, as roads remain impassable in several areas, limiting access to the most affected communities. Immediate interventions are critical to restore essential services, prevent further loss of life, and mitigate the risk of additional storms and flooding.