In early August, Hong Kong was hit by continuous heavy rain, breaking the Observatory’s record for the most Black Rainstorm Warnings hoisted in a single year. The downpours also caused flooding in many districts. When disaster strikes, with only moments to spare, what would you save?
“The flood came so fast. Our house, our belongings, our livestock—they were all swept away. It was terrifying and occurred very quickly. I only had time to grab my puppy. If the flood had happened at night while we were sleeping, we wouldn’t have been able to escape in time.” For 12-year-old Lao boy Chan, a sudden flash flood completely disrupted everything he owns and cast a dark shadow over his childhood.
Flash Floods Wash Away a Childhood, Home and Livelihood
Laos is frequently devastated by natural disasters that destroy countless homes and cause severe economic loss and casualties. The main flood season runs from July to September each year, and last year was no exception. Last summer, flash floods and landslides devastated 12 villages in Luang Prabang Province, impacting numerous people, including 12-year-old Chan and his 86-year-old grandmother, Phon.
The grandmother and grandson lived in a house next to a creek, in the lowest part of the village. The flood struck in the early morning. Recalling the event, the fear is still visible in Chan’s eyes: “At 5 a.m., my grandmother was about to start a fire for breakfast when she discovered water flooding the kitchen. She woke me up. The water level rose so fast that we decided to leave our house immediately. I couldn’t take anything with me, only managing to grab Kee, the puppy we had recently adopted. When we climbed up to the road and looked back, we saw that the water had nearly reached the roof. Then, suddenly, our house disappeared.” They went hungry for the entire day. Thankfully, a kind neighbour shared some food with them, allowing them to finally eat that evening.
The Floodwaters Recede, But Life’s Hardships Remain
Grandmother Phon says, her sadness palpable, “We are a poor family. Our only sources of income—two pigs and three chickens—had been swept away. We lost all our clothes, household items, and sleeping materials.” Although the floodwaters eventually recede, life has become even more difficult for Chan and his grandmother.
Before the disaster, Chan lived the simple but happy life of a rural Lao child. When not in school, he would help his grandmother water their garden, carry water, and collect bamboo from the forest, playing with his friends. But the sudden flood completely upended his childhood. “I don’t like how things look now. Our house is gone.” Chan says. Their shelter is far from his school and friends, making his daily walk to school challenging. The thoughtful boy sees his grandmother’s worries about their livelihood, “It makes me sad to see my grandmother cry.”
Save the Children Provides Urgent Relief and Seeds of Hope
Responding to the urgency of the situation, Save the Children has taken proactive steps to be among the first humanitarian organisations on-site, providing food, non-food item kits, and cash assistance.
Grandmother Phon says, “I felt very happy to receive rice, dried fish, and essential sanitation items. We received cash assistance, which I plan to spend on buying notebooks, pens, pencils, shoes, and a school uniform for Chan.” They also plan to clear their damaged land and turn it into a garden with the given vegetable seeds, hoping to sell the crops to buy essentials.
Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, says, “Natural disasters are merciless. There are many children around the world, like Chan, who lose everything in an instant. The Children’s Emergency Fund allow us to prepare better for crises, respond faster when disaster strikes, and protect children longer during their recovery. In the long term, it also helps communities build resilience, empowering them to face future crises with greater strength and capability.”
In 2024, Save the Children’s humanitarian work has helped over 20 million people worldwide, including 12.8 million children. The organisation has also provided support in humanitarian crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, the escalation of conflict in Lebanon, and the earthquake in Myanmar. Please support Save the Children’s emergency relief work.
