Attapeu flood victims need more essential supplies

More than 10,000 people have been relocated to temporary shelter centres in Attapeu and Champassak provinces after the flood waters impacted 13 villages, the district governor, Mr Bounhome Phommasane said.

“Many people need more assistance because the flash flood took everything from them,” Director of Attapeu province Health Department, Dr Onphiew Phothilath told Vientiane Times.
“We still need more essential supplies, in particular, food, rice, clothes, blankets, drinking water, medicines, and anything to help the flood victims. We are continuing to mobilise funds and essential supplies to assist the victim’s families,” she said.
Local authorities in cooperation with rescue teams and soldiers were building temporary shelter centres for victims with nine in Sanamxay district and another in Pakxong district, Champassak province but these were crowded, she said.
“The authorities are also building temporary toilets at the centres but there is still not enough because so many people have been affected by the flood,” she said.
Some victims have been sick from skin infections and diarrhoea but medical teams from Laos, Vietnam and China were providing first aid and treatment at the temporary shelter centres, Dr Onphiew explained.
Currently, authorities and volunteers from neighbouring countries are using the temporary shelter centres to cook and provide food to the victims but they still need more.
Many government and private sector organisations from home and abroad such as Thailand and Japan have provided food, water and other essentials, according to an Sanamxay district official in charge.
However, other items like shoes, toothpaste, toothbrushes and essentials for children and women were also required.
Those interested in helping or donating household items are invited to call local authorities at the district office on 020 5553 6888 and 5563 6210.