Latest news with #VientianeTimes
The Star
a day ago
- Climate
- The Star
Heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc countrywide in Laos
VIENTIANE: Monsoon rains and flooding are continuing to cause significant damage and disruption to roads, agriculture and local communities. In some areas, roads have been washed out, making access difficult, while many homes have been damaged or destroyed and farmers have reported major losses to their crops due to flooding and strong winds. In response, local authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and providing emergency support to affected households. Relief efforts include the provision of food supplies, temporary shelters and the restoration of roads and bridges. Provincial governments have called on national agencies and community organisations to assist in the recovery process. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as weather conditions remain uncertain. In Huaphan, the provincial Deputy Governor Phonesouk Inthavong, along with officials from relevant provincial departments, last week viewed the impacts of flooding in Huameuang district, where rice fields and houses were inundated following torrential rain. At the same time, a provincial taskforce delivered essential supplies to help local residents cope with the aftermath of the flooding, including rice, drinking water,and 20 million kip (US$927) in cash. In addition, several families and provincial departments gave relief supplies to district leaders for distribution to affected families. Meanwhile, in Vientiane province, Kasy district leaders teamed up with the district disaster management committee to evaluate the damage caused to people's homes by flooding. A digger was deployed to remove sand that had collected at a bridge between Namon Yai and Namon Aok so that floodwater could drain away and people could move around normally. A fire truck was also used to help clear mud and debris from people's houses and the local neighbourhood. In Bolikhamxay province, more heavy rain caused flash floods and landslides. Landslides blocked National Highway 1D for a while, but vehicles were able to pass, while the road between Thongmixay and Tam Heap villages was impassable, particularly Road 8A in the Phou Pha Marn area. As of Monday morning, most vehicles were able to navigate the road, but conditions were difficult for low-powered vehicles. Widespread flooding has also occurred in Viengthong district, with water submerging crop fields and the lower levels of houses. In response, district authorities and other officials are attempting to provide emergency assistance. In Khammuan province, authorities have warned drivers about landslides on Road 8 to Khounkham district, and in the Phou Pha Marn area at Khoun Ngern village. Paddy fields in Khammuan have suffered both flood and pest damage. Nine districts, 201 villages, and 7,718 families are affected, and flooding has occurred on 8,172 hectares of farmland. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Lao capital cracks down on illegal awnings, signs
Authorities removed illegal signs on T 2 Road in Vientiane. - Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: Authorities in Vientiane last week began dismantling illegal awnings, signs and vending stalls along T2 Road in Oumoung village of Sikhottabong district. The operation followed repeated warnings to business owners who were violating city planning regulations, and was part of a broader effort to prepare for the 8th Party Congress of Vientiane and improve urban order across the national capital. The operation was conducted by the Department of Public Works and Transport of Vientiane, in collaboration with the Sikhottabong District Office and a special task force for urban order. The Director of Public Works and Transport Department of Vientiane, Bounyavat Nilaxay, said in an interview during the operation: 'To address urban disorder in Vientiane, we have partnered with relevant sectors to remove signs and dismantle extended awnings and haphazard vending stalls along T2 Road. 'This is due to previous educational efforts and warnings being ignored by business operators. This marks the fourth such operation.' Bounyavat said authorities aim to ensure that business owners comply with established laws, thus making roads clean and aesthetically pleasing, while also guaranteeing the safety of pedestrians and commuters. This initiative is part of preparations for the upcoming 8th Party Congress of Vientiane and efforts to implement urban planning regulations to ensure that the city is orderly, clean, beautiful and liveable. The dismantled signs and awnings will be stored at the Department of Public Works and Transport. Owners will have 20 days to retrieve their property. This drive will continue along major roads acrossVientiane. In Sikhottabong district alone, nine roads have been identified, with more than 1,400 listed obstacles. Authorities have called on business owners, enterprises and residents living and trading along major roads and other routes to take ownership of the issue and actively participate in enforcing the laws. This will help create order, cleanliness and beauty, and transform Vientiane into a liveable and civilised city for everyone, officials said. The operation was led by the Acting Governor of Sikhottabong District, Inpong Thoumma, who also participated. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Lao communities on edge as river levels climb amid continuous rainfall
FILE PHOTO: Flooding in Luang Namtha province on September 9, 2024. - Social Economic News via Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: Lao residents remain on alert as river levels continue to rise, with some waterways reaching warning and danger thresholds, prompting heightened vigilance and preparations for potential flash floods. Continuous rainfall across Laos has caused river levels to rise, with the water level of the Mekong River section in Lao capital Vientiane reaching 12.51 metres on Friday (July 25), just above the danger level of 12.50 metres, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Amid cloudy skies and the swiftly flowing Mekong River, many villagers - especially those living along the riverbanks - have been keeping a close watch on the rising water levels, looking for any signs of overflow or potential flooding. Some have also captured photos and videos of the river to share with friends and family to raise awareness and encourage others to stay alert. Phet, a 52-year-old villager living near the riverbank in Vientiane, shared that the continuous rainfall has caused the river to rise quickly, prompting him to check the water levels every day in preparation for possible flooding. "Because we live close to the river, my family and I always keep emergency supplies ready and stay prepared in case of flooding during the rainy season," Phet told Xinhua on Friday. Manivong, a resident of Vientiane, expressed heartfelt sympathy for those already affected by flooding, emphasising the importance of community support and preparedness during the ongoing rainy season. "I've seen the impact of flooding, especially in the northern provinces. It makes me feel deeply sad, but it also reminds me to stay prepared and take precautions to minimise any potential damage," she added. As continuous rain raises water levels in the Mekong River and nearby waterways, Lao authorities on Friday warned 60 village leaders in Hadxayfong district of Vientiane to prepare for flooding. Local officials are urged to help residents move belongings to higher ground and provide daily updates to officials. In addition, river levels in provinces such as Bolikhamxay surpassed the danger threshold on Friday, causing flooding and extensive damage to homes, farmland, and transportation infrastructure. - Xinhua
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Malnutrition stunts children's growth in Laos
VIENTIANE: Laos is facing a malnutrition plight among children, with nearly 44 per cent of children under the age of five affected by stunted growth. There are about 385,000 such cases in the country, with 20 per cent of Lao children already stunted by the age of six months, reported the Vientiane Times. According to the Lao Social Indicator Survey, nearly two million people in Laos, mostly women and children, suffer from some form of undernutrition. "Chronic malnutrition remains a major concern, with 35.6 per cent of children under five showing signs of long-term undernourishment,' said the news report. Child food poverty among children in the South-East Asian region has been a pressing issue, largely due to poverty and access to quality food in remote areas. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) 2024 report titled "Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood,' revealed that poor diet quality contributes to child malnutrition in South-East Asia. "Twenty-six per cent of children under five have stunted growth, more than half suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, and child overweight and obesity are a rising concern,' said Unicef. According to the report, around the world, one in four children is living in severe child food poverty in early childhood, amounting to about 180 million children under the age of five. "Severe child food poverty is driving child undernutrition. The prevalence of severe child food poverty is three times higher in countries with a high prevalence of child stunting,' said the global agency. In Laos, the government has taken measures to address the public health issue, targeting to reduce child stunting by 25 per cent by 2030. "The government aims to create a healthier population by addressing the root causes of malnutrition and ensuring that children are given the chance to grow, learn and contribute to the country's future,' reported Vientiane Times. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Malnutrition Stunts Children's Growth In Laos
A Loa village was hit by heavy rainfall on July 24. Laos faces a major task in tackling malnutrition among children (illustration photo). Photo credit: Vientiane Times PHNOM PENH, July 25 (Bernama) -- Laos is facing a malnutrition plight among children, with nearly 44 per cent of children under the age of five affected by stunted growth. There are about 385,000 such cases in the country, with 20 per cent of Lao children already stunted by the age of six months, reported the Vientiane Times. According to the Lao Social Indicator Survey, nearly two million people in Laos, mostly women and children, suffer from some form of undernutrition. bootstrap slideshow 'Chronic malnutrition remains a major concern, with 35.6 per cent of children under five showing signs of long-term undernourishment,' said the news report. Child food poverty among children in the Southeast Asian region has been a pressing issue, largely due to poverty and access to quality food in remote areas. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) last year's report titled 'Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood,' revealed that poor diet quality contributes to child malnutrition in Southeast Asia. 'Twenty-six per cent of children under five have stunted growth, more than half suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, and child overweight and obesity are a rising concern,' said UNICEF. According to the report, around the world, one in four children is living in severe child food poverty in early childhood, amounting to about 180 million children under the age of five. 'Severe child food poverty is driving child undernutrition. The prevalence of severe child food poverty is three times higher in countries with a high prevalence of child stunting,' said the global agency.
