Vientiane, 25 July 2018

The United Nations in Lao PDR is deeply saddened by the news that dozens of people are reported missing and several dead as a result of floods in Attapeu Province and other provinces in the country and is preparing its support to the affected areas.

The Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic declared Sanamxay District of Attapeu Province as a National Emergency Disaster Zone, following a visit by the Prime Minister, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith and other cabinet ministers to the affected flood areas. National response activities are underway, the military has deployed search and rescue team to help villagers who are still stranded by the floods and is also conducting rapid response activities in the field.

A Prime Minister’s Notice of National Disaster on 24 July 2018 refer to assistance from international and mass organizations to the victims of the Xepien-Xenamnoy Hydropower dam construction project incident in Attapue Province.

Many areas remain inaccessible. The most urgent needs are food, shelter and clean water. Initial impact assessment sees the need for emergency shelter for approximately 1,300 families including tents, boats to rescue people and personal hygiene kits for about 6,000 people. Beyond the immediate impact, the floods will have a longer term impact on the livelihoods of these families.

The United Nations in Lao PDR has expressed its readiness to support the Government on the ground and to work in close coordination with humanitarian partners in Lao PDR to respond to the immediate needs of affected families. The cluster network will coordinate response activities from UN agencies, key stakeholders including INGOs, donors and partners in the network.  The needs of the villagers in Sanamxay District remain top priority.

Visit UN website for relavant information: http://www.la.one.un.org/media-center/news-and-features/397-united-nations-in-lao-pdr-extends-solidarity-to-flood-devastated-attapeu-province

[Image: Vientiane Times]