Vientiane, Luang Prabang Face Growing Flood Threat as Rescue Efforts Ramp Up in Northern Laos

Vientiane Capital and Luang Prabang are bracing for a number of consecutive days of heavy rain whereas water ranges within the Mekong River rise, prompting emergency preparations. In the meantime, rescue groups have been deployed to Luang Namtha Province, the place devastating floods have displaced residents and brought about extreme harm.

Vientiane Residents Brace for Floods as Mekong River Ranges Surpass Historic Highs

The Mekong River Fee has lately introduced that Vientiane Capital will expertise steady rainfall from 13 to 17 September, with water ranges anticipated to exceed the flood stage of 12.50 meters. By 14 September, water ranges reached 13.01 meters, rising to 13.16 meters on 15 September, and 13.00 meters on 16 September.

In line with the report, the height stage on the fifteenth would surpass the Mekong water ranges seen in the course of the main floods in Vientiane in 1966 and 2008.

In response, residents in flood-prone areas, together with close to Mahosot Hospital in Chanthabouly district, have been seen putting sandbags as a precaution. In the meantime, Vientiane Rescue 1623, a non-profit medical service group, has additionally shaped a specialised group to organize for potential flooding in Vientiane.

Luang Prabang Prepares for Rising Floodwaters as World Help Reaches Laos

In Luang Prabang, one other northern province, authorities are on excessive alert as water ranges within the Khan and Mekong rivers regularly rise. The province is making ready for extra downpours that would push water ranges to a hazardous stage.

Whereas Laos grapples with the consequences of heavy rains and rising rivers, worldwide help has arrived. On 12 September, the Australian authorities delivered eight tons of humanitarian aid provides, valued at USD 95,000, to assist over 200 households affected by the floods. That is the third consecutive yr Australia has supplied such help, with provides together with hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, and shelter software kits.

Rescue Efforts in Luang Namtha Province Intensify

Along with making ready for potential floods within the capital, Vientiane Rescue 1623 has additionally dispatched 55 personnel to help with aid efforts in Luang Namtha Province, one of many areas hardest hit by the flooding. The group contains 13 skilled search and rescue specialists from Vientiane Capital, 17 newly skilled volunteers from Vang Vieng, and their Thai trainers, in addition to 25 native volunteers from Luang Namtha.

Rescue operations are being supported by 4 boats, an ambulance, and a rescue station in Luang Namtha, which, though not formally open, is staffed with skilled first responders.

Regardless of their efforts, the scenario stays dire. The native airport has been briefly closed, the primary flooring of the hospital is submerged, and lots of houses have been broken or destroyed. Some residents have sought refuge on rooftops because the floodwaters proceed to rise.

In a tragic incident, one man misplaced his life after being swept away by sturdy currents whereas making an attempt to assist others. Though the water ranges in Luang Namtha have begun to recede, the necessity for rescue operations and humanitarian help stays vital.

In response to the continuing disaster, a number of organizations in Laos have initiated donation drives to assist these affected. Among the many outstanding efforts is the BCEL OneHeart venture, which has launched a nationwide marketing campaign to help flood victims. The marketing campaign affords an easy donation course of via the BCEL One app, the place donors can select the flood aid venture beneath the OneHeart part or contribute straight utilizing a QR code.