Support from Türkiye to Families Affected by the Hailstorm in Laos

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in cooperation with the Embassy of Türkiye in Vientiane, has carried out a meaningful humanitarian aid initiative in Laos.

The assistance was aimed at families affected by a severe hailstorm that struck in late March, impacting approximately 16,000 people and causing heavy damage to more than 4,000 homes. Essential supplies, including basic necessities, food items, and drinking water, were distributed to those in need.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Vientiane, Oya Yazar, together with Aly Vongnobountham, officially handed over 500 food packages and drinking water procured by TİKA to local authorities during a ceremony held at the Vientiane Governor’s Office. The aid was received by Vice Governor Vilayvone Chanthalaty, in the presence of representatives from the disaster management committee and relevant institutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Governor expressed gratitude on behalf of the Vientiane administration and the disaster management committee to the Lao Women’s Union and the Government of Türkiye. She emphasized that the assistance would significantly contribute to alleviating the hardships faced by citizens affected by the hailstorm on the evening of March 22, 2026. She also highlighted that Türkiye was the first and only embassy to respond to the official call for aid.

Officials noted that, following the disaster, a broad range of stakeholders—including government institutions, local authorities, private sector representatives, and individuals—mobilized both in-kind and financial support. This collective effort has played an important role in helping restore normal living conditions for those affected.

In addition, senior officials and relevant institutions have visited the disaster-hit areas to provide moral support and deliver further assistance. Authorities continue to call on all segments of society to maintain solidarity and emphasize the importance of ongoing support to ensure a swift recovery for affected communities.