Vientiane: The meeting, which assessed disaster management work over the past five years and set strategic directions for 2026-2030, was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath.
According to Lao News Agency, authorities reported that natural disasters including storms, floods, landslides, and flash floods have become increasingly severe, largely driven by climate change and human activities. During the five-year period, disasters resulted in 111 deaths and five people reported missing, while damaging infrastructure, agricultural land, and public services across the country.
Northern provinces such as Huaphan, Luang Namtha, Sayaboury, and Luang Prabang-areas that previously experienced limited flooding-recorded significant flood damage in 2024 and 2025, highlighting growing climate risks.
Vongkham Phanthanouvong, Head of the Social Welfare Department, noted that Laos continues to face multiple threats including floods, landslides, earthquakes, disease outbreaks, drought, and structural fires. The government has prioritised rapid emergency response, rehabilitation of affected infrastructure, and long-term recovery planning, with disaster recovery projects to be integrated into the national public investment plan.
The meeting also aimed to strengthen coordination and preparedness to improve the country’s capacity to respond to disasters in the 2026-2030 period.