Laos delivers emergency aid after over 2,000 households hit by rare hailstorm in Vientiane
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Smashed roofs after a hailstorm hit Vientiane on March 22.
PHOTO: VIENTIANE TIMES/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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VIENTIANE – The Laos government has begun distributing emergency aid to thousands of people whose houses were damaged when a violent hailstorm passed through Sikhottabong district in Vientiane on the afternoon of March 22.
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare and vice-president of the National Disaster Management Committee Phosay Sayasone toured the affected areas on March 23 to assess the situation and organise immediate assistance for residents and others whose property was damaged.
More than 2,000 households across five villages were affected, with Viengkham and Chansavang villages suffering the most severe damage – each reported over 1,000 affected homes. Damage was also recorded in Phonsomboun, Nongda and Tadthong villages.
Four schools, a temple and a village administration office were also significantly affected.
To support recovery efforts, the National Disaster Management Committee has allocated 1.402 billion kip (S$83,000) in emergency funding. Relief items distributed include 20 tonnes of rice, kitchenware, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, plastic mats, and drinking water.
The authorities are also coordinating with development partners to provide construction materials such as zinc roofing sheets and nails to repair damaged buildings.
Meanwhile, various businesses are also providing cash, drinking water and food.
The head of Viengkham village, Mr Porvang Xayyaovong, said the storm, which lasted about an hour, caused widespread destruction, shattering the roofs of 1,593 houses and slightly injuring eight people.
Damage to vehicles, markets, shops and temples was recorded. Heavy damage was also reported in Nongtaeng Neua, Chansavang, Tadthong and Champa villages.
In total, seven villages in Sikhottabong district – namely Viengkham, Nongtaeng, Chansavang, Tadthong, Champa, Mai and Phonsomboun – were hit by the storm, along with Nalien, Dongluang and Sikeuth villages in Naxaithong district.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology warned that unstable weather conditions were expected to continue across Laos, with forecasts of isolated thunderstorms, strong winds and fluctuating temperatures. The authorities urged residents to remain alert as recovery operations continue. VIENTIANE TIMES/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
