An estimated 37,000 people displaced across affected provinces in Laos
By World Vision Laos Communications Team

Relief items were distributed to those who have been affected by the floods. Photo by World Vision Laos.

“The damaged rice fields and other farm crops mean food shortage for all of us”, says the village chief of Dong Ngai village. Most of the affected villages have lost their rice crops that were almost ready for harvest. He adds, “We do not even have seeds left for the next planting season.”

The flood water has receded considerably and most of the people have returned home from the camps and started cleaning up. However, the months ahead look grim due to heavy losses on livelihood and livestock. Vegetable gardens and fish ponds that supplement the food needs of the villagers have been swept away. 

To help these villagers, the World Vision Laos Relief Team has begun planning for the rehabilitation phase.

Right now, due to the lack of proper hygiene and sanitation, together with the spread of garbage around the villages, the Sekone District Health Office fears an outbreak of skin diseases and diarrhoea. Water systems have also broken down, and people are left with no choice but to use contaminated water from nearby rivers, unless they have water pumps near them.  

Many children have also lost all their school uniforms and materials, and schools were destroyed. This would pose another challenge when classes resume. According to World Vision communicator Vanhlee Lattana, the children are traumatised and afraid, thus there is a pressing importance to meet their psychosocial needs.

As of today (5 October 2009), the relief team has completed the distribution of relief goods to 2,755 families in 25 villages in Sepone. The relief packs distributed comprised of instant noodles, water, candles and lighters which could last for three days. The team is now working hard to provide further assistance to the affected, and plans to help them rebuild their lives.