VIENTIANE, March 12 (Xinhua) -- A total of 76 extreme weather events and accidental fires were reported across Laos in 2023, causing damage estimated at more than 1,114 billion Lao kip (some 53 million U.S. dollars).
The disasters included storms, floods, landslides, and wildfires, causing severe damage across the country, Lao National Radio reported on Tuesday.
In 2023, more than 107,000 households in 125 districts across Laos were heavily affected by these disasters. In July and August, 12 provinces suffered storms, landslides and flooding, with many people affected.
The report said that local authorities are strengthening disaster management across the country, including warning systems, so that people receive flood warnings promptly and are able to interpret the data provided.
During a meeting last week chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Chansamone Chanyalath, participants asked the Lao government to improve coordination among disaster management committees at every level so that they operate more efficiently and speed up post-disaster recovery.
The participants also discussed ways to resolve some of the pressing issues in this field and ways to develop a unified response in disaster management to minimize losses by extreme weather in 2024, according to the report. ■