Latest update: 3.35pm 03/10/2009

World Vision has started distributing relief supplies to 7,000 people in Laos. Seven tons of rice, 7,500 bottles of drinking water, 2,250 boxes of noodles, 400 tents, 1,500 gas lighters and 500 wax candles were initially distributed and the response will continue as more assessments take place.

Immediate relief assistance is needed to reach affected populations in three provinces. Recent reports indicate that an estimated 5.392 people have been affected in Laos’ Sepone and Nong districts. 16 deaths have been reported in the country and this figure could change as evaluations continue.

Relief activities are planned to go on until the situation improves. Nong district remains inaccessible because major roads have been cut off by floodwater. World Vision staff in the area are doing assessments and preparing to provide assistance as soon as possible.

In the least-affected Phin District water has gone down considerably, allowing people to return to their homes.

Read more about World Vision’s response to Typhoon Ketsana here.