What can be done to prevent and mitigate the effects of extreme weather?

Last year Laos experienced floods, drought, storms, landslides and crop pest invasions on 65 occasions, which affected 70,200 people in 15 provinces. Vientiane Times sought public opinion on what could be done to prevent and lessen the effects of these weather extremes.

Mr Chansamon Phanthoula, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientianr: It’s not good that last year so many harsh weather events occurred across Laos. We had terrible flooding, and was the same in nearby countries. We have all heard news of earthquakes, wildfires and tropical storms. When something like that happens it can cause great loss of life and even wipe out communities. But we have to continue to try to mitigate the effects of such events. Right now we should be preparing to tackle the effects of hot weather, such as long dry spells followed by storms. We know this will happen because it’s the same every year. Forecasters should keep a close eye on the weather and alert people in good time if severe conditions are on the way. When such things do occur, everyone should band together to provide as much help as possible and we should all take note of weather forecasts so that we are better prepared.

Ms Latdavone Kanutham, a government employee in Luang Prabang province: The human activity involved in the development process can lead to climate change, which is partly responsible for natural disasters. There are many kinds of disasters, both nature-based and man-made. However, most are the result of catastrophic extremes of nature and can include storms, earthquakes, floods and drought which can have a vast impact on people’s lives, especially in rural areas, by damaging their crops and killing their livestock. When a serious natural disaster occurs, it affects many people and slows development. To reduce the number of disasters and mitigate their impacts, I think everyone should make an effort to cut back on activities that may cause climate change or interfere with nature in other ways. We need to reduce pollution and stop the destruction of forests.

Ms Khamphout Soliphon, a resident of Sisattanak district, Vientiane: Laos is always affected by extreme weather events, it’s part of our natural climate, and we can expect strong winds, landslides and flooding. But these tend to strike quickly and the effects can be devastating, costing lives and inflicting enormous property damage. I think the authorities should have a better system in place to monitor and forecast extreme weather events so that the effects can be reduced. And every country should actively try to protect the environment because it’s essential that we maintain conditions that don’t result in climate change. We should be aware
of the activities that are harmful to nature and the environment and change our ways accordingly.

Ms Lae Phisavongsy, a resident of Vientiane: In my opinion, everyone should join forces to protect our planet and the environment because if they are well protected there will be fewer natural disasters. All countries should do more to prevent such disasters. Of course, we can’t avoid or stop disasters altogether, but we can be aware of this issue and take steps to reduce the risks that lead to disasters so as to reduce the damage and protect ourselves and our property as best we can. Developed and industrialised countries and regions should reduce the amount of pollution and toxic waste they produce, while all countries should cut back on activities that harm the environment such as cutting down large numbers of trees, burning or destroying the land, and damming and polluting rivers. If all countries work together, I’m sure there will be fewer and less damaging natural disasters around the world.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update February 8, 2022)