World Waternet’s Climate-Resilient projects secure Laos' water future

Typhoon Yagi Strikes Northern Laos: A Region in Crisis

In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi caused severe flooding in northern Laos, particularly in Luang Namtha province. Heavy rainfall, exacerbated by the overflow from the Namtha 3 Dam, led to widespread damage in 35 villages. Homes, roads, and critical infrastructure were submerged, and this extreme weather event highlights the increasing impact of climate change in the region.

Responding Swiftly Togheter

A team of World Waternet, who was there initially for a non-revenue water visit, shifted its focus to assist Nam Papa in responding to the crisis. Efforts were put into crisis planning, clearing the intake and cleaning and restoring the water laboratory. The entire staff of the Nam Papa and the team of World Waternet worked tirelessly to get the water supply up and running as quickly as possible. Their efforts were essential in resuming water quality testing, ensuring safe drinking water for the region. Beyond the lab, the team is also focused on repairing vital water supply infrastructure that was impacted by the floods, restoring services to affected communities as quickly as possible. 

Adapting Rapidly: Turning Crisis into Climate Resilience

The flooding underscored the need for a more resilient water supply infrastructure. In partnership with the Department of Water Supply, efforts are also underway to strengthen the region's long-term resilience to climate change. This includes updating climate adaptation strategies, improving flood preparedness, and protecting vital water sources. World Waternet and the Nam Papa are currently working with on two pilot projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of Lao PDR’s water systems. These projects focus on both structural and nature-based solutions to protect vital water infrastructure from climate-related hazards such as floods and landslides. Furthermore, as regions across Lao PDR face similar climate challenges, our proposed approach can be scaled up and be applied to other regions in the country.  

Building Lasting Resilience: A Sustainable Water Future for Luang Namtha

By addressing both the immediate recovery and the long-term resilience of water systems, the collaboration between World Waternet, Nam Papa Luang Namtha, and the Department of Water Supply aims to create a sustainable and climate-resilient water supply for the region. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that communities in Luang Namtha are better prepared to face future challenges brought on by climate change.