Vientiane: The Government of Canada has donated 50,000 Canadian dollars, equivalent to over 700 million Lao kip, to the Lao Red Cross to aid disaster relief and recovery efforts in flood-affected regions in southern Laos. The handover ceremony was held at the Lao Red Cross headquarters in Vientiane, attended by Mr. Khamlavan Chanthalavong, President of the Lao Red Cross, and Mr. Kent Vachon, Ambassador of Canada to the Lao PDR.
According to Lao News Agency, the funding is earmarked to support comprehensive relief operations in some of the hardest-hit areas within Savannakhet and Saravane provinces. Specific assistance will be directed to five villages in Sonnabuly District and two villages in Songkhone District of Savannakhet, along with 12 villages in Toumlan District and eight villages in Ta-Oy District of Saravane.
Mr. Khamlavan expressed gratitude to the Government of Canada, stating that the aid will significantly support the recovery of livelihoods for those impacted by natural disasters. He assured that the aid will be delivered to affected communities comprehensively and promptly.
The funding is set to support a multi-faceted disaster recovery program, with a focus on purchasing and distributing essential relief items to affected households. Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, the initiative also aims to promote long-term recovery through gender equality and climate change adaptation programs.
The project is scheduled to run until February 28, 2026, and will include monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure transparency and effectiveness in the distribution of aid.
Ambassador Kent Vachon emphasized that this contribution is a testament to Canada’s ongoing commitment to helping Laos enhance its resilience to natural disasters. He noted that the partnership with the Lao Red Cross guarantees that assistance will reach the most vulnerable communities, aiding in their rebuilding efforts and preparing them for future challenges.
This contribution highlights the importance of international cooperation in mitigating flood impacts and promoting sustainable recovery for communities throughout Laos.