Champassak appeals for help after 22 houses gutted by fire

Champassak provincial authorities are continuing their appeal for money and construction equipment urgently needed by people in Naphoukham village, Xanasomboun district, after 22 houses were destroyed in a fire last week.
Everyone survived the blaze although one person sustained critical injuries.
Village Chief Mr Khamsen Suanmany told Vientiane Times the fire broke outon April 14, thought to have started when someone was cooking, with the damage estimated at over 2 billion kip.

The buildings that burned down were mostly made of wood. A total of 21 families of 125 people have lost their homes, as well as all their appliances, utensils and many other belongings. Naphoukham village has 103 houses but 22 were destroyed in the blaze. 
“Government bodies and private sector organisations in Champassak and other provinces have provided food, rice, clothing and alternative accommodation. But people here need more drinking water, rice, food, clothing, medicines, construction equipment, and other essentials,” Mr Khamsen said.
The authorities are seeking funds to buy much-needed construction equipment so that people can build new homes.Families who were made homeless are now living with their relatives or neighbours.
Naphoukham village is located about 20km from the main town in Xanasomboun district and has good road access.
Anyone who can help or provide assistance, equipment for use in reconstruction or any other items is invited to call Mr Khamsen Suanmany on 030-4487704.
During the Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) period from April 12-18, 10 fires were recorded across the country including one at That Luang Neua temple on April 18.
Four of the fires were in Vientiane and six in the provinces, according to the Fire Prevention and Protection Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security.
On the evening of April 18, a fire broke out at a monk’s house at That Luang Neua temple in Vientiane but fortunately no one was injured, according to the fire department.
The fire started at about 18:40 pm when fire fighters and volunteers from Vientiane Rescue were called to the scene. Firemen hosed water from three fire engines onto the burning building, with the flames spreading rapidly because the upper sections of the monks’ quarters were largely made of wood.
The monks’rooms are located behind the Dhamma Hall at That Luang.
Police are investigating the fire in partnership with local authorities and assessing the value of the damage.
Last year, the ordination hall (sim) at Vat That Luang Neua temple was engulfed in smoke due to a fire that authorities believe spread from lighted candles.
On April 17, a fire also broke out at a Dhamma preaching hall at Dongnasok-neua temple in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane. The fire was thought to have been caused by an electrical fault, with the resulting damage estimated at over 130 million kip.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update April 22, 2019)