Because nobody knows when the earthquake or the cyclone will comes to Laos, it is important to start thinking about the action plan and be ready for it.




A national committee is drafting an action plan to ensure Laos is prepared in the event of a natural disaster.

The action plan will cover areas of disaster preparedness and the skills and resources that are needed to respond to a disaster.

It will include logistical planning to ensure people and resources can be transported to affected areas, and strategies for ensuring the safety of victims and preventing the spread of disease following a disaster.

Committee Office Head Khamphao Hompaya yesterday said natural disasters were a global concern, particularly following the deaths of more than 100,000 people in the recent earthquake in China and cyclone in Myanmar .

Mr Khamphao said the action plan would build on the country's long-term national strategy for natural disasters.

“We plan to improve our structures and coordination systems with other sectors so we can work together to assist victims if a disaster occurs,” he said.

Separate to the action plan, the committee has received 50 million kip in government funding to conduct disaster training for officials in Huaphan and Phongsaly provinces this year.

The government also gave more than 400 million kip to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to assist affected villagers in times of disaster.

The committee will meet with the United Nations Development Programme to discuss the action plan in July.

Mr Khamphao said Laos was at greatest risk of flood or insufficient rainfall.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, almost 30,000 hectares of rice fields suffered from flooding or lack of rainfall last year.

The Meteorology and Hydrology Department in Vientiane said rainfall in this year's wet season would be heavier than usual.

Several consecutive days of rain have marked the start of the rainy season in Laos .

Weather Broadcasting Unit Chief Vandy Douangmala said rain would continue until tomorrow due to low atmospheric pressure and south-easterly winds.

By 11am yesterday, Xeno district in Savannakhet province had reported the most rain in Laos , with 80.4mm, followed by Xamneua district in Huaphan province with 71.3mm. In Vientiane only 18mm was recorded.

By Somsack Pongkhao
Vientianetimes