Doha:The United Nations has launched a relief effort targeting over 2,000 residents in four villages in Champhone District—Nakathang, Sithong, Dongmakko, and Nong-nhama—affected by severe flooding. The regions have been submerged for more than a month following consecutive tropical storms in September and October.

According to Lao News Agency, the initiative involves direct cash payments of 1,350,000 Kip per person to eligible residents. This approach aims to provide families with the flexibility to address their most urgent recovery needs. The World Food Programme (WFP) officials emphasize that this model allows families to prioritize their recovery efforts, such as purchasing food, maintaining education for children, buying seeds and livestock, repairing shelters, or covering medical expenses.

Lalongkone Chanthamaly, Disaster Preparedness and Response Officer for WFP Laos, noted that while the financial assistance is modest, it offers essential short-term relief for families struggling after the loss of their harvests. Thongma Sithanongsak, a resident of Nakathang Village, expressed gratitude for the aid, stating that they plan to use the funds to buy rice after their farmland was devastated by the prolonged flooding.

Looking ahead, the U.N. agency intends to work closely with local authorities and Laos' Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to enhance disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the country's vulnerable rural communities.