| By Vanhlee Lattana
In late September, World Vision distributed over 271 tons of rice to families in Bolikhamxay, Khammouan, and Luang Prabang Provinces where many households were affected by severe flooding in August. The water level of the Mekong River had reached dangerous levels causing massive property damage and loss of critical household assets such as land and livestock.
Rice was especially necessary as rice-paddies for thousands of households are now submerged underwater or badly damaged. As a result, families are fearing a sharp reduction in rice yields this upcoming harvest season which begins in October. Lower rice yields could mean food shortages next year.
“My rice field was taken away by the flood,” said Mrs. Mai in Bolikhamxay Province, one of the most affected provinces.
“We just started planting when the floods came. We have nothing left for harvest this season,” said Mrs. Mai.
It was difficult for Mrs. Mai and her family to maintain their daily routines during the weeks of flooding. They had no clean water to drink and experienced food shortages.
“When the water increased higher to half of our house, we had to move our belongings to a highest place,” said Mrs. Mai’s young daughter, Loun, 7.
“We had to use a small wooden boat to other villages to ask for donation of rice from friends and relatives. Also, to take some clean water home,” said Loun.
World Vision distributed 72 tons of rice in Bolikhamxay Province to 3,686 households who are enduring similar circumstances to Mrs. Mai and her family.
"World Vision was the first organization to come to help us. We were glad to hear about the rice distribution,” said Mrs. Mai.
“This contribution will help support the villagers to proceed on and prepare themselves while they are waiting for the next planting season,” said Mr. Sengduean Bolijuk, Deputy Director of Provincial Social Welfare Department of Bolikamxay Province.
Though the flood waters have gone down and villagers are working to restore their homes and livelihoods, there are still many challenges to facing communities, especially those living along the banks of the Mekong River.
“While the rice we distributed does meet the immediate needs for families affected by the recent flooding, we will continue to look for more alternatives to ensure long their term needs are also addressed,” said Dr. Tin Tin Wun, World Vision Bolikhamxay Team Leader. “These alternatives could include food for work programs and other solutions."
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