(KPL) The National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) held a meeting in Vientiane on November 13, 2024, to assess the damage caused by natural disasters from late July through September 2024 and to propose relief assistance for the affected provinces.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, who also serves as NDMC Chairman.

According to Mr. Vongkham Phanthanuvong, Head of the Social Welfare Department and NDMC Secretariat, natural disasters during this period impacted farmlands, infrastructure, and residential property across 16 out of 18 provinces in northern, central, and southern Laos.

The affected provinces include Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Vientiane Province, Khammuane, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Phongsaly, Luang Prabang, Houaphanh, Xayabouly, Xieng Khouang, Saravan, Savannakhet, Champassak, Sekong, and Xaysomboun.

Overall, 89 districts, 1,167 villages, over 54,300 households, and more than 255,900 people were affected, with 13 fatalities reported.

The disasters caused significant infrastructure damage, leading to economic, social, and environmental losses estimated at over 6.71 trillion kip.

In response, the government and NDMC have provided support and closely monitored the affected areas. The NDMC Secretariat, in collaboration with relevant ministries and provincial disaster management committees, is aiding in recovery efforts, conducting damage assessments, and developing recovery plans for the impacted provinces.

KPL