Saravane Ramps Up Aid for Families Affected by Storm

Vientiane: Authorities in Saravane Province and Lakonepheng District are accelerating relief efforts for families impacted by a severe storm that struck on April 9. The local government has focused on repairing and rebuilding damaged homes, aiming to quickly restore normal living conditions. So far, approximately 90% of affected homes have been repaired. According to Lao News Agency, on April 18, Deputy Governor of Saravane, Somchai Ounjit, who also heads the Provincial Disaster Management Committee, led a team to distribute relief supplies and offer support to affected families. The aid package included 430 roofing sheets, 40 kilograms of nails, and over 8 million kip in cash, with a total value exceeding 40 million kip. The initiative is supported by both the government and private sector contributors. Assistance is concentrated in three heavily impacted villages: Na Laen, Na Thuen Neua, and Na Thuen Tai. In addition to housing repairs, efforts are underway to restore the primary school in Na Laen. The s torm, which struck around 8:35 PM on April 9, affected eight villages in Lakonepheng, damaging over 100 homes. The total estimated losses amount to nearly 1 trillion kip. Villages hardest hit include Na Laen, Na Thuen Neua, Na Thuen Tai, Loeng Nok Tha, Nakala, Don Heua, Phou Tham Phouang, and Non Saen Phan. Many houses lost roofs, and some were completely destroyed. Deputy Governor Somchai expressed deep concern and encouraged residents to stay resilient. He emphasized the government's commitment to fast-tracking recovery and praised the unity among villagers in helping one another. He also urged all sectors to maintain readiness to respond to future natural disasters.