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Lao PDR Experienced Tropical Storm Koguma during Covid-19

Background

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Stepping up into the year 2020, life has advanced to another level. Everything in society has changed, even our lifestyle. This is due to the pandemic outbreak of the Covid-19, the number of infected cases has increased to more than hundreds of cases today. Therefore, the lockdown measure has been implemented to protect individuals. Amid the global lockdown, human activities have been stagnant and it may seem like the environment has not been disturbed. However, this is not the case, as, in reality, we have to cope with both the pandemic and also climate changes, particularly natural disasters.

The topic of natural disasters has been discussed for a long-time ago. There have been many attempts by humankind to find an aligned resolution between having a sustainable environment and also meeting human demands in order to make a balance. At the same time, coping with natural disasters can be really challenging, particularly during the period of the Covid19 pandemic.

Issues

While we are in the middle of facing the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters are becoming a threat to our life security as well. Experiencing both the pandemic and disaster is a nightmare that has awakened people. This is because it reminds us to live with awareness and take responsibility for our behavior. In Lao PDR, the aftermath of the Tropical storm has destroyed houses and also the important landmark of The Orange Bridge in Vung Vieng, Vientiane Province.

Tropical Storm Koguma occurred around June 2021. The cause of the storm was the depression in China, which went through Vietnam before reaching Lao PDR. In Laos, many provinces in Northern and Central such as Vientiane Province, Xayaburi, Xieng Kuang, and Bo Keo were dealing with floods, affecting agricultural areas, and houses, and the people found it difficult to overcome. Houses were swept in Bokeo. Similarly, the entire city of Xayabulli was flooded. Unfortunately, the Orange Bridge or "Khua Som" in Lao, which is a significant

to sustain humans’ living. Unfortunately, it is hard for us to realize the long-term effects of doing so. For example, using gas to mobilize transportation or industries will release greenhouse gas, and collectively, it will cause global warming. Then it leads to climate change. Therefore, making a balance between keeping and taking natural resources could possibly avoid natural disasters, if we are collectively aware of the impacts that will happen if there is excessive use of it.

Conclusion

Natural disasters amid the COVID-19 outbreak are challenging to be managed because of the limited access to necessary preparation and assistance for it. Alongside that, the pandemic which has been spreading makes it more difficult for the relevant sectors to respond accordingly.

In my opinion, natural disasters are unpredictable and have been a huge problem from the past to the present and they are caused by various kinds of factors. However, the government should have a disaster prevention plan and is able to supply the necessary information to the individuals in order to ensure prior preparation for disaster can be done and will be able to provide immediate assistance.

References:

1-https://laotiantimes.com/2021/06/13/tropical-storm-koguma-sees-heavyrainfall-hit-laos/ 2-https://laotiantimes.com/2021/06/14/laos-sees-widespread-flooding-inwake-of-tropical-storm-koguma/ 3-https://laoedaily.com.la/2021/06/15/96780/ 4-https://mgronline.com/indochina/detail/9640000057477 5-https://websitelaos.com/1921/ 6-http://mod.gov.la/18062021 _ 2.php 7-The Law on Disaster Management, 2019, Lao PDR.

Photos:

8-The Star Online 9-IFRC

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