Lao PDR: Floods - Sep 1995

Two months of heavy monsoon rains in Mekong river basin, associated with a series of tropical storms, have resulted in extensive floods in large parts of Lao People's Democratic Republic. Widespread flooding occurred in Vientiane, Borikhamsay, Khammouane, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces, with inundation of riverine areas - the country's best agricultural land. (UN DHA, 19 Sep 1995)

The Government of Lao PDR has issued an international appeal for assistance following recent floods that they estimate affected 391,400 persons or 55,800 families. 39 districts were flooded in Vientiane prefecture and provinces of Vientiane, Borikhamsay, Khammouane, Savannakhet and Champassak. Current estimates are that damaged crop areas totalled 62,500ha. The government has estimated total country crop losses as totalling some 200,000 tonnes. (UN DHA, 25 Sep 1995)