PM expresses concern over plight of flood victims

THE prime minister has expressed deep concern over the suffering of flood victims across the country and called on authorities to do more to restore people’s lives to normal.

During a visit to Savannakhet, Saravan and Champassak provinces last week, Thongloun Sisoulith went to Xepon, one of the worst-hit districts in Savannakhet, where one person died in the recent floods.

He gave 500 million kip (RM219,930) to assist those in dire need in Xepon, Nong and Vilabouly districts and delivered emergency supplies worth 300 million kip (RM131,950).

Thongloun consoled those who were homeless as a result of the floods and encouraged them to overcome the hardships and challenges they encountered after their houses and other belongings were washed away or damaged.

More than 15,000 people in 3,000 families have been evacuated to temporary shelters and schools after eight districts in Savannakhet province were flooded.

The eight districts, which are home to over 5,000 families living in 142 villages, suffered widespread flooding when two storms hit the area earlier this month.

This is one of the biggest floods Laos has suffered in recent decades and thousands of families are now homeless. Villagers had been anticipating harvesting their rice in the near future but the crop has been destroyed by heavy rains, while their livestock and other property have also been affected.

The prime minister advised authorities to urgently assist those in need and to prevent opportunists from looting or stealing flood victims’ belongings.