FLASH UPDATE #1 – Flooding and Landslides in 10 Provinces
Country under monitoring: Lao PDR
OVERVIEW: The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall over Lao PDR resulting in flooding and landslides incident since 4 August 2023. According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH), a flood warning due to the southwest monsoon has been issued since 1 August regarding water levels across Lao PDR.
IMPACTS AND DAMAGES: as of the reports on 9 August.
- 13,777 households were affected over 417 villages in Vientiane Capital, Huaphanh, Xayaboury, Xiengkhuang, Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuane, Savannakhet, Champasack, and Xaysomboon Provinces in Lao PDR. According to the reports, there are estimated of 50.7% of the total affected population are women.
- 6 persons dead (4 in Xaysomboon and 2 in Borikhamxay) and 1 person missing.
- 231 houses, 3 health centres, 3 schools, 94 roads, 5 bridges, and 225 other facilities were damaged.
- Around 184.2K ha of agriculture area and 358 ponds were damaged; more than 35.7K livestock lost; and an estimated of 988.8K USD worth of damages have been initially identified.
ANTICIPATED RISK: According to the Meteorology and Hydrology Department’s weekly weather forecast, Lao PDR is likely to continue to experience light to moderate rain, with possible landslides and flash floods along river banks.
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE:
- The flood warning has been issued and disseminated since 1 August 2023.
- Provincial Government and other relevant agencies continue to provide immediate needs to the affected community.
- Search and Rescue Operations are ongoing by relevant authorities/agencies.
- DMH continue to monitor the weather situation and provision of weather updates to all stakeholders.
The AHA Centre will continue to monitor for further developments and issue necessary updates.
DATA SOURCES:
ASEAN Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS);
Lao PDR: NDMO, DMH;
Verified news media agencies.
