The Lao capital, Vientiane, is experiencing more serious flooding as climate change intensifies the monsoon rains. Storms such as Tropical Storm Wipha in recent weeks have overwhelmed old-fashioned drainage systems in the city, overwhelming big sections of the city and paralyzing daily life. People are regularly isolated from schools, hospitals, and workplaces, with poorer communities worst affected. In villages such as Nonkhilek, 95% of houses are affected by floods annually. The absence of urban planning and the fast, uncontrolled development of the city have exacerbated the issue, particularly in low-lying zones surrounding wetlands. To combat this, a new initiative named NATURA is trying to revive the Nong Loup Ian wetland along Nonkhilek Village. The project, which is led by the Lao government, New Zealand, and the Global Green Growth Institute, employs nature-based solutions to prevent flooding and secure local livelihoods. Residents also wish that this method would provide long-term mitigation and enable Vientiane to cope with the stressors of climate change.
Pray for the success of the efforts of the authorities to improve the lives and livelihoods of the people in Vientiane, Laos. Pray for an improved flood management system in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 118:25).
Pray for the flood victims in Laos to have access to a haven, a proper working drainage system, and other basic needs. Pray for divine protection upon all the people in the country from the yearly climate crisis (The Holy Bible, Psalm 46:1).
News Source: Asia Media Centre
Image Source: Canva
