Savannakhet:The United States and the World Food Programme (WFP) have jointly provided $900,000 in cash assistance to families affected by severe flooding in Savannakhet, Laos. This aid targets 18 villages across the districts of Songkhone, Champhone, Xaybuly, and Xonbuly, with each beneficiary receiving $60 to cover food and nutritional needs for a month.
According to Lao News Agency, the official handover ceremony took place in Dongmakfai Village, Xaybuly District, with prominent attendees including Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Phongxaysack Inthalath, Savannakhet Vice Governor Thongsay Xayavongkhamdy, US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Michelle Outlaw, and WFP Country Director Marc-André Prost.
Deputy Minister Phongxaysack highlighted the severe flooding from July to September 2026, resulting from tropical storms and heavy monsoon rains, which devastated communities nationwide. He emphasized that this assistance is a crucial aid for flood-affected families and symbolizes the ongoing cooperation between the Lao and US governments in disaster response efforts.
Assessments by the National Disaster Management Committee and UN agencies revealed that flooding impacted 71,797 families, involving 345,477 individuals, across 1,480 villages in 99 districts throughout 14 provinces. The disasters claimed 22 to 24 lives and caused infrastructure, agricultural, and economic damages exceeding $400 million.
The Lao Government activated emergency response teams and distributed essential supplies, yet the scale of destruction called for further international support. WFP's Marc-André Prost noted that cash assistance is prioritized in operational market areas to empower families in addressing immediate needs and aid local economic recovery.
This initiative is part of an $11 million program by the US Government to enhance Laos' emergency preparedness and disaster response, also aiding over 50,000 people in Luang Namtha, Savannakhet, and Sekong. US Embassy representative Michelle Outlaw reiterated America's dedication to supporting affected communities and bolstering Laos' climate resilience.
WFP will continue monitoring market trends to ensure the effectiveness of the assistance, providing beneficiaries with channels to report any issues during the aid distribution.
Source Lao News Agency