Critical Relief to Flood-Affected Children and Families in Luang Namtha Following Typhoon Yagi

Following the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi, which led to severe flooding across Luang Namtha, Save the Children has taken swift action to support affected families in their recovery. Today, relief supplies valued at over 1.1 billion LAK, including essential food, non-food, and hygiene items, have been distributed to 677 households across seven hard-hit villages. This humanitarian aid is a crucial step in helping families regain stability and ensuring children can safely return to school.

Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Luang Namtha Province, Laos, from September 9-11, 2024, causing heavy rainfall and flash floods in 37 villages. Water levels rose dangerously high, exceeding two meters, and some villages were initially accessible only by boat due to downed communications and electricity. The flooding resulted in two fatalities, disrupted businesses, and affected 3,414 households (18,986 people). Damage included 155 destroyed houses and 450 hectares of rice fields, leading to food shortages and significant losses for smallholder farmers, with livestock casualties numbering 86 cows and thousands of poultry.

Reports indicated 1,990 evacuees sought refuge in six shelters. Schools suffered structural damage, with teaching materials and furniture destroyed, preventing children from attending classes. The Ministry of Education and Sports highlighted urgent needs for educational materials for 49 schools across the province.

The floods damaged infrastructure, including vehicles, a bridge, and factories, resulting in further loss of goods. In response, Save the Children International in Lao PDR conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) beginning September 12, 2024, to identify community needs and distribute essential supplies like water, food, and hygiene products in collaboration with local authorities.

The handover ceremony was co-led by Mr. Larkhampasert Siphasert, District Governor of Luang Namtha, and Ms. Phounsy Phasavaeng, Program Director for Save the Children Laos. Key representatives from the Provincial Social Welfare Department, Disaster Management Committees, and local communities were present to witness this meaningful gesture of support.

One beneficiary shared, “The supplies we received mean we can focus on restoring our lives without the constant worry about our children’s next meal. This support has brought us real relief.”

Schools are among the most affected by the devastating floods. Ban Khone Primary School, one of 50 schools damaged, is located in the lower part of the village. The school suffered severe destruction as floodwaters surged over 2 meters high. The principal shared this experience during a rapid needs assessment conducted by Save the Children in collaboration with local authorities.

The school's vulnerable location overwhelmed by the flood. The principal described how the rising waters swept away essential teaching materials, destroyed classrooms, the school’s yard, and severely damaged the toilets. Furniture was ruined, and valuable textbooks and teachers' manuals were lost. As a result, the school became inoperable and had to close for nearlly a month, creating an urgent need for the support to ensure that children's education to be ready to continue after resume to the school.

Ms. Phounsy highlighted the organization’s commitment: “Our focus now is on helping children and their families rebuild. We are preparing for further assistance to ensure students and schools can return to regular routines quickly.”

District Governor Mr. Larkhampasert expressed deep gratitude, saying, “This aid is essential, not only for immediate needs but also for children’s overall well-being. Returning to school is critical for their psychological and educational recovery, and we are dedicated to collaborating with Save the Children to make this possible as soon as possible.”

Together, we continue to strengthen resilience, well-being, and the future of Luang Namtha’s communities.