Flooding from Typhoon Swamps Northern Laos

Following Typhoon Yagi’s landfall on September 7th, heavy rains and flooding have severely impacted northern and central provinces in Lao PDR, affecting nearly 140,000 people. The worst-hit areas include Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane Capital, along with significant damage in Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Xiengkhouang, and Xayaboury. A total of 32 districts, 486 villages, and 27,972 families have been affected, with tragic reports of three confirmed fatalities and many others evacuated from their homes.

The flooding has devastated key infrastructure, damaging over 3,167 hectares of paddy fields, 121 houses, 41 roads, and 7 health facilities. With parts of Luang Prabang under threat from rising water levels in the Mekong and Nam Kham rivers, the situation remains critical. Access to essential services has been severely disrupted, with around 50 schools in Luang Namtha closed and hospitals mobilizing emergency teams to set up temporary health posts for urgent medical needs.

In the midst of this crisis, the outreach team from Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) has faced significant challenges in their mission to deliver vital medication and support to affected families. Despite terrible road conditions and relentless flooding, the team has shown incredible determination. They have been wading through rivers and navigating muddy pathways that are impassable by car to reach patients in need..

As the situation develops, LFHC continues to prioritize the health and well-being of the communities affected by Storm Yagi, exemplifying the spirit of solidarity and compassion that defines our mission.