Xayaboury in need of emergency relief as floodwaters recede

Xayaboury province is in need of emergency relief to help more than 5,200 households affected by flooding in the wake of tropical depression Koguma, which lashed several provinces from June 11-14.
Households in 56 villages in seven districts of the province were affected and almost 20 houses were swept away by floodwaters, with Xayaboury district the hardest hit area. Total losses are estimated to be at least 94 billion kip.

Temporarily homeless villagers are now in need of food, drinking water, medical supplies and mobile units that can produce drinking water, as well as boats and pumps to suck up the remaining floodwater.
The Deputy Governor of Xayaboury province, Mr Phetphixay Sounvilay, told Vientiane Times on Wednesday that provincial authorities have provided some food and drinking water as well as clothes to people in need.
The floodwaters have receded as the Houng River, which overflowed its banks, has now dropped in level. Local residents and authorities are now engaged in a clean-up operation to remove the mud left behind.
Authorities are helping people to rebuild their damaged houses and those swept away by floodwaters, Mr Phetphixay said.
“An appeal has gone out for help from the public and local and central authorities, calling for donations of food, drinking water, rescue boats, water pumps, fuel and money to repair infrastructure and help local residents resume life as normal,” he added.
The flood also cut off the electricity supply in 16 villages but power has been restored in seven villages.
Seven electricity poles were damaged, more than 6,000 electricity metres were flooded, and several water pumps were broken. Five bridges were broken and 25 roads were damaged, although some roads have already been repaired so they are now passable.
The flood affected or damaged more than 5,300 vehicles and 11 schools. More than 169 hectares of farmland were affected and many cattle and poultry died.
Authorities in many provinces are now sourcing money, medical supplies, foods and drinking water to help Xayaboury.
Lao Red Cross volunteers are preparing clothes, food and drinking water to send to Xayaboury and Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mrs Baikham Khatthiya, visited affected residents on June 16. Bokeo and Xieng Khuang provinces as well as Vangvieng district in Vientiane province have also experienced flooding and local authorities will report details of the situation when more information becomes available.

By Siladda Souliyong
(Latest Update June 17, 2021)