MFA Press Statement: Singapore's Humanitarian Assistance for the Floods in Laos

The Singapore Government has offered to send humanitarian supplies and equipment as well as personnel to assist Laos with the flood relief efforts following the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower dam in Attapeu Province, Laos on 23 July 2018.  The Singapore Government will make a contribution of US$100,000 as seed money to kick start the public fundraising appeal by the Singapore Red Cross.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is set to send a team of officers to help with the disaster relief efforts, including conducting needs and risk assessments.  The SCDF team will also bring and operate water purification equipment so that there is clean drinking water for the affected population.  The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is prepared to deliver humanitarian supplies and equipment, including tents, meal rations, bottled water, medical supplies, and rubber dinghies to help the relief efforts. The SAF also stands ready to deploy a team from the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre to support the Lao People’s Army’s relief efforts on the ground.

As a close friend and fellow ASEAN Member State, Singapore stands by Laos during this difficult time.  President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan have written letters to their counterparts to convey their condolences.  The text of their letters are attached.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

25 JULY 2018

Letter from President Halimah Yacob to His Excellency Bounnhang Vorachith, President of Laos

25 July 2018

His Excellency Bounnhang Vorachith

President

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Your Excellency,

          I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives and devastation caused by the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower dam in Attapeu province.  On behalf of the people of Singapore, I convey our heartfelt condolences to you and the people of the Lao PDR.

            Singapore stands ready to offer our assistance in the relief effort of this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the Lao PDR and its people during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

HALIMAH YACOB

Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to His Excellency Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos

25 July 2018

Dear Prime Minister Thongloun,

            I am deeply saddened to learn of the devastation and loss of lives caused by the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower dam in Attapeu province. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Lao Government and all those affected by the disaster.

            The Singapore Government will contribute US$100,000 to kick-start the public fundraising appeal by the Singapore Red Cross. The Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Armed Forces stand ready to despatch personnel as well as deliver emergency equipment and supplies to support the disaster relief efforts and search and rescue operations. Please let me know if we can be of further help.

            Our thoughts are with the Lao people in this time of grief.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Thongloun Sisoulith

Prime Minister

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Letter from Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos

25 July 2018

His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone

Deputy Prime Minister

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Your Excellency,

I am saddened to learn about the loss of lives and devastation caused by the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower dam in Attapeu province.

Singapore stands ready to support Laos’ relief efforts. I hope that those affected by the disaster will be able to overcome this adversity quickly. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we are able to assist in any way.

Yours sincerely,

TEO CHEE HEAN

Letter from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to His Excellency LG Chansamone Chanyalath, Minister of National Defence of Laos

25 July 2018

His Excellency LG Chansamone Chanyalath

Minister of National Defence

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dear Chansamone,

              Please accept my condolences to the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic who have lost their loved ones and are affected by the floods following the unfortunate collapse of the Xe Pian – Xe Namnoy dam in Attapeu province.

              The Singapore Armed Forces stands ready to assist the Lao People’s Army and other civil agencies with disaster relief and rescue efforts. We are prepared to offer humanitarian assistance loads, as well as deploy personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces’ Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (RHCC) to assist the Lao People’s Army. We wish the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic strength as flood recovery efforts progress. 

Yours Sincerely,

DR NG ENG HEN

Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos

25 July 2018

His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dear Saleumxay,

  I am dismayed to learn of the loss of lives, widespread displacement of people, and severe damage to property caused by the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower dam in Attapeu province.  I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to the families affected.  We are ready to assist the Lao government in the flood-relief efforts.

Our thoughts are with the Lao PDR and its people during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN