Government, private aid flows to flood-hit Luang Namtha

The government and private businesses as well as members of the public are providing relief aid to flood-hit villagers in Luang Namtha after the province was hit by flooding and landslides on Monday.

Soldiers airlift boats to flooded communities in Luang Namtha province. --Photo Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare

Provincial authorities are helping to move people from their flooded homes to dry ground, but medicine, clothing, food, drinking water and boats are all urgently needed to support the rescue effort.
Local authorities are ready to receive donations, both in cash and kind, to help those who have been forced to leave their homes.
Donations can be handed in at the conference hall in Luang Namtha province or forwarded to BCEL account number 0701100356847. The name of the account is “The impact of the flood disaster in Luang Namtha province”.
Meanwhile, the Laos-China Railway Company Ltd. is supporting the relief effort by offering to transport drinking water, food, medicine, clothing and other supplies free of charge.
All of the items sent via the Laos-China Railway will be distributed to flood victims by government officials.
In addition, Bokeo International Airport has waived landing fees and ground service fees for carriers until Luang Namtha Airport returns to normal use.
Individuals, banks and businesses are now raising funds to help the stricken communities.
Many villages in Luang Namtha province have been affected by flooding since heavy rainfall began on September 7. One man died after being swept away in a river and another person is missing.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department on Wednesday issued a flood alert as heavy rain continues and the Mekong rises further, with Luang Prabang province also experiencing flooding and expecting the situation to worsen.
On Wednesday, the meteorology and hydrology station in Luang Prabang measured the level of the Mekong at 17.78 metres, which is higher than the flood warning level, while the danger level is 18.5 metres.
The Kaengkok station in Champhone district, Savannakhet province, measured the Xechamphone River at 7.59 metres, where the flood warning level is 7.5 metres and the danger level is 8.5 metres.
The Vientiane station measured the Mekong at 10.2 metres, where the flood warning level is 11.5 metres and the danger level is 12.5 metres. The department predicts that the Mekong will rise further from September 11-13.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 12, 2024)