Latest update: 4.55pm 8/10/2009

World Vision continues to respond to humanitarian needs in Laos just over one week after the country was struck by Typhoon Ketsana on 30 September.

An estimated 150,000 people were affected when the typhoon hit in at least five provinces in Laos. 16 people were reported to have died and many villages were submerged, destroying houses, farm crops and livestock.

As reports continue to flow in, the affected population could surpass 300,000. Field assessments reveal poor communities have been impacted particularly severely.

World Vision immediately responded in accessible areas in Sepone and Nong districts, assisting over 7,000 people with relief packs containing food, water, and non-food items like candles, lighters and roofing sheets.

World Vision is now stepping up its relief efforts in Laos’ hardest hit provinces.

Long-term rehabilitation in Laos is also being prepared for, geared toward the restoration of livelihoods to help flood survivors get back on their feet and prepare for the future.

World Vision’s long-term relief efforts will include setting up rice banks and revolving livestock funds as a replacement to crops and working animals lost to the flood, working in collaboration with villagers.

World Vision is continually monitoring the wellbeing of children in Laos.