Vientiane: The National Disaster Management Committee convened a meeting on Oct 6 to discuss measures to address the impacts of flooding caused by tropical storms Wutip, Vipha, and Bualoy, and to review preparedness efforts for the approaching Matmo storm. The session was led by Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, and attended by key officials, including Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Phoxay Xayasone, along with representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.
According to Lao News Agency, Tropical Storm Bualoy, which impacted the Lao PDR from Sep 29 to Oct 4, resulted in heavy rainfall and significant flooding across 10 provinces-namely Xayaboury, Huaphan, Xieng Khuang, Borikhamxay, Xaysomboun, Vientiane Province, Vientiane Capital, Savannakhet, Champassak, and Attapeu. The flooding severely affected 34 districts, 131 villages, and 3,118 families, leading to four fatalities in Borikhamxay, Xaysomboun, Savannakhet, and Huaphan, and four individuals reported missing in Xieng Khuang, Huaphan, and Vientiane.
A representative from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce reassured that all hydropower dams in the country remain stable and secure. The ministry has intensified inspection and water management measures and developed contingency plans to handle potential future storms.
Deputy Prime Minister Chansamone emphasized the importance of continuing rescue and relief operations for flood-affected communities and expediting the restoration of damaged infrastructure, particularly bridges and transport routes. He also stressed the need for monitoring weather conditions and enhancing early warning systems to ensure timely dissemination of information to at-risk populations, which is crucial for disaster preparedness and response.
The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to be ready to deploy personnel, vehicles, and equipment to assist affected communities swiftly in case of emergencies or future disasters. The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, serving as the Secretariat of the National Disaster Management Committee, was directed to identify both immediate relief and long-term recovery needs for governmental consideration and action.
He also called for improved coordination between central and provincial disaster management committees to compile data on disaster impacts and recovery needs, thereby strengthening overall preparedness for disaster prevention and response.