Latest news with #VientianeMai
The Star
04-08-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Laos steps up support for flood-hit provinces
On Aug 3, Vice President Pany Yathotou visited Hat Bo village in Nohet district, Xieng Khouang Province, to deliver essential supplies to families impacted by the floods. -- Photo credit: Vientiane Mai via Loatian Times VIENTIANNE (Laotian Times): Lao authorities are stepping up efforts to help residents affected by recent floods, as damage reports continue to come in from several provinces. On 3 August, Vice President Pany Yathotou visited Hat Bo village in Nohet district, Xieng Khouang Province, to deliver essential supplies to families impacted by the floods. The remote village was flooded on 22 July, affecting 34 houses and causing one death. Roads are still blocked, making recovery work more challenging. Pany stressed the need to get relief supplies to those who need them and urged local authorities to focus on fixing damaged infrastructure, such as homes, schools, and roads. She also called for urgent plans to relocate families living in dangerous areas near riverbanks to safer locations. She emphasized that district leaders should stay in close contact with affected communities to monitor their needs, properly assess the damage, and help families return to normal life as soon as possible. Kasi District Improves Flood Preparedness with New Equipment Flood preparedness and disaster response efforts are also underway at the community level. On 1 August, the Lao Red Cross and local officials provided early warning systems, rescue tools, and emergency funds to six villages in Kasi district, Vientiane Province. This effort is part of a larger disaster risk reduction project to improve community resilience. Somdok Khamphenxay, Deputy Director of the Vientiane Red Cross, said that 47 people, including village volunteers and members of district disaster committees, have been trained to respond better during emergencies. The equipment, valued at over LAK 205 million (USD 9,599), will be used for public awareness activities and rescue operations. Local villages have also set up funds for maintaining the equipment and buying medical supplies to ensure long-term preparedness. Nationwide Fundraising to Support Flood Recovery At the national level, the government has launched a fundraising campaign to support flood-hit provinces after the widespread damage caused by Typhoons Wutip and Wipha earlier this year. An official statement from the Central Disaster Management Committee, issued on 30 July, called on state enterprises, private companies, individuals, and organizations, both in Laos and abroad, to contribute donations. Relief efforts continue, with Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune handing over emergency supplies worth more than LAK 769 million (US$36,011) to authorities in Xieng Khouang on 29 July. Flooding over the past two months has caused severe damage in 14 provinces, affecting over 26,000 families and damaging thousands of homes, schools, and vital infrastructure. Provincial disaster committees are working closely with local authorities to assess needs and distribute aid. Xieng Khouang province has allocated LAK 140 million (US$6,556) for emergency support, while more funds and supplies have been sent to affected districts like Xieng Nguen and Nan. Work is ongoing to repair damaged roads, assist displaced families, and ensure that food, medicine, and other essential items reach those in need. Lao officials have reaffirmed their commitment to speeding up recovery efforts and continuing support for flood-affected communities, as the country remains on alert for more rainfall in the coming weeks. - Laotian Times
The Star
29-07-2025
- The Star
Laos to hold ceremony to celebrate inscription of national park as world heritage site
Hin Nam No National Park in Khammouane Province, Laos, becomes the fourth Unesco World Heritage Site of the country. VIENTIANE: (Bernama-Xinhua) Authorities in central Laos' Khammuan province plan to hold a grand ceremony at the end of 2025 to celebrate the inscription of Hin Nam No National Protected Area as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the country's fourth World Heritage site, Xinhua reported. According to the Vientiane Mai newspaper on Tuesday (July 29), authorities held a meeting on Monday to discuss plans for a grand ceremony celebrating the inscription of the national park. The site holds special significance as it forms part of a transboundary extension of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a World Heritage Site in Vietnam, the first transboundary natural World Heritage Site shared between Laos and Vietnam. Authorities also plan to intensify efforts to raise public awareness about the importance and benefits of natural World Heritage sites and encourage local communities to take part in their protection and management. They will work with relevant sectors to develop sustainable strategies for conservation and development, while improving local livelihoods. Additionally, the province aims to transform Hin Nam No National Park into a sustainable, world-class tourist destination. Hin Nam No National Protected Area is a natural marvel that spans an area of 94,121 hectares in southeastern Laos. This biodiverse and stunningly beautiful protected zone shelters some spectacular and mysterious biodiversity, and harbours ecosystems that include pristine forests, majestic waterfalls, and intricate cave systems. The park is home to an incredible range of species, including rare and exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, and plants, and is home to several ethnic minority groups. - Bernama-Xinhua
The Star
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Laos focuses on reducing dropouts and advancing education among young children
VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Laos' Ministry of Education and Sports held a meeting to develop a nationwide messaging campaign that promotes the value of education, reduces dropout rates, and expands access to basic education across the country. The four-day meeting held here from Monday focused on scriptwriting and storytelling techniques for creating a video that highlights the importance of staying in school and encourages Lao society to recognize education as the foundation of both life and work. The meeting marks an initial step in addressing the high student dropout rate, driven by economic hardship and a lack of confidence in the value of education, the Vientiane Mai newspaper reported on Monday. Socio-economic challenges in Laos have led to a decline in students' focus on education and less parental support. The education promotion video aims to capture viewers' attention and help Lao society recognize the importance of education. In his speech, Outhit Thipmany, deputy director general of the Research Institute for Educational Sciences, stressed that education is not just a personal achievement but also an investment in the country's future. "We want to show families that education opens doors, builds self-reliance, and helps shape responsible adults. These videos will send key messages directly to parents and students, encouraging them to prioritize education for a better future," said Outhit. The campaign will feature a series of short videos designed to shift community perceptions. These videos will be broadcast on national television, shared on social media, and used in public outreach efforts. The Lao government is taking steps to increase school enrollment and reduce dropout rates by addressing factors affecting youth well-being. - Xinhua
