Save the Children Continues Lifesaving Humanitarian Response: Distributes Vital Supplies to Flood-Affected Households in Viengkham District, Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience

Luang Prabang Province, October 2024— With ongoing support from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and provincial and district Disaster Management Committees, Save the Children successfully distributed essential non-food items to 402 flood-affected households in seven villages of Viengkham District, Luang Prabang Province. This humanitarian effort, funded by £100,000 from the Start Fund and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Federal Foreign Office, the Hilton Foundation, the IKEA Foundation, Irish Aid, Jersey Overseas Aid, and UK Aid, provided vital supplies, including bedding, kitchen equipment, gardening tools, vegetable seeds, basic construction materials for rebuilding homes, and water purifiers for safe drinking and cooking.

The official handover ceremony was co-chaired by Mr. Luke Ebbs, Country Director of Save the Children International in Laos, and Mr. Thae Phettakone, Vice District Governor and Chair of the Vieng Kham District Disaster Management Committee. The aid reached approximately 1,897 individuals (914 females), including 26 people with disabilities (10 females), 7 pregnant women, 8 lactating women, and 489 children (236 girls).

The supplies are expected to have a significant impact on vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, girls, and children, by providing construction materials that ensure access to private and safe spaces. This support enables affected families to begin rebuilding their homes and schools immediately. Additionally, the vegetable seeds provided will help enhance food security and promote economic recovery in the months ahead. By combining essential relief items with agricultural assistance, these efforts will help vulnerable communities regain stability and build resilience against future disasters.

Luke Ebbs, Country Director of Save the Children Laos, stated, "we are committed to standing with Government and communities as Laos faces the growing threat of stronger and more frequent natural disasters. Through the support of our global partners and the Start Fund, we are helping families not only rebuild their homes but also regain their dignity and security. By providing essential supplies, such as water purifiers and construction materials, we aim to ensure that children, especially the most vulnerable, can return to safe environments where they can thrive. This assistance is vital in supporting the immediate recovery while laying the groundwork for long-term resilience against future disasters.”

"Our home and everything we owned were damaged by the floods, and we had no clean water. Since receiving the water purifier, our family’s situation has improved significantly. Now, we can drink and cook with clean water, giving us peace of mind regarding our children's health," added a villager from Vangkham, Viengkham District, Luang Prabang Province.

This marks Save the Children's third non-food item distribution in Viengkham District. Earlier this year, in August, 348 households received food and sanitation items during a rapid response, followed by a Cash Voucher Assistance (CVA) program co-partnered with the Red Cross in September.

Laos is prone to natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and landslides. The recent flash floods, which affected 12 villages in Viengkham district on July 24, caused widespread damage to homes, agricultural land, and livestock. The lack of clean drinking water and damaged hygiene facilities have led to reports of illness in affected communities. Additionally, four schools, including one within the Laos Safe School (LSS) project area, were damaged, impacting both students and teachers.

Typhoon Yagi reached Laos in early September 2024, severely impacting several provinces, with Luang Namtha Province among the hardest hit. Torrential downpours caused rivers to overflow, resulting in widespread flooding that forced 1,990 evacuees to seek refuge in six shelters. Schools sustained significant structural damage, with teaching materials and furniture destroyed, preventing children from attending classes. In response, the Ministry of Education and Sports emphasized the urgent need for educational resources across 49 schools in the province.

The floods also disrupted vital infrastructure, damaging vehicles, a bridge, and factories, which led to additional losses of goods. To address these pressing needs, Save the Children International in Lao PDR launched a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) on September 12, 2024, in collaboration with local authorities. This assessment helped identify the community’s immediate needs and facilitated the distribution of essential supplies—such as water, food, and hygiene products.

With the generous support of humanitarian funds and in close coordination with local partners, Save the Children remains steadfast in its commitment to helping these communities rebuild and strengthen their resilience against future disasters. Leading humanitarian response efforts during crises is a top priority as we strive to become the largest, most impactful organization for children in Laos, dedicated to improving their lives and futures.