Following an official request for assistance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, WFP has begun rice distributions in the Luang Namtha province today, where temporary food shortages are compounded by the loss of rice crops and agricultural land. In coordination with the Government of Lao PDR and the Lao Red Cross, WFP is distributing 100 metric tonnes of rice to 14,000 severely affected people.
"We are coordinating with the National Disaster Management Committee and other humanitarians for efficient and effective response and recovery actions. These food distributions will provide some relief for people that have lost so much in Luang Namtha," said Marc-Andre Prost, WFP Representative and Country Director in Lao PDR. "We will continue working with local communities to restore livelihoods, improve food security, and strengthen disaster preparedness in the face of future climate-related shocks."
Since June, Lao PDR has experienced a series of floods, landslides and storms that have impacted an estimated 145,000 people around the country. Super Typhoon Yagi, that made landfall on 9 September, caused additional heavy rains, severe flooding and landslides, temporarily displacing 33,000 people in two districts of Luang Namtha province.
"The impact of Typhoon Yagi on our province has been severe, and we are committed to get help to those in need. We value the collaboration with WFP and the Lao Red Cross, because it helps us to raise support from the donor community and provide assistance to our people on the ground," said Sivilay Pankeo, Provincial Vice Governor and Chair of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Control Committee.
