Chansavang Village in Sikhottabong, Vientiane, Laos. The roofs of homes throughout the village were riddled with holes, as though they had been bombarded.
On March 22, an unexpected hailstorm struck Vientiane. Hailstones as large as a child’s fist poured down with tremendous force, directly hitting several villages in Sikhottabong, Vientiane. Chansavang Village was particularly hard hit, with more than 1,000 households suffering major damage. Most homes had aging slate or corrugated metal roofs, which were shattered like fallen leaves or severely bent by the massive hailstones.
Faced with the sudden disaster, residents who were able to make repairs on their own immediately began fixing their roofs in an effort to restore their normal lives.
Although the entire village was filled with the fervor of recovery, elderly residents and vulnerable households who could not even consider repairing their roofs on their own grew increasingly anxious. In response, WeLoveU members acted quickly. After carefully selecting seven households that were unable to carry out repairs on their own, they conducted emergency recovery activities from March 23 to 27. In addition to providing roofing materials, the members directly repaired damaged roofs for several households, strengthening their neighbors’ determination to rebuild.
Meanwhile, other members prepared meals with care for the volunteers so that the recovery work could proceed smoothly.
As the members cooperated in many different ways, carrying materials, making repairs, and preparing meals, their neighbors’ homes were quickly restored.
Before and After the Recovery Activities
Expected Outcomes of the Disaster Recovery Activities
| Securing Residential Safety | Preventing water damage and property loss through the timely replacement of damaged roofs |
| Strengthening Disaster Resilience | Providing psychological and material support to help residents return to their daily lives more quickly |
| Strengthening Community Bonds | Promoting solidarity within the community through collaborative repair activities |
| Stabilizing the Lives of Vulnerable Households | Reducing financial burdens so that residents can maintain basic living conditions after the disaster |
| Providing Emotional Reassurance | Helping ease disaster-related trauma and offering hope for rebuilding |
Residents affected by the hailstorm expressed their gratitude to WeLoveU members, saying they were relieved that the emergency recovery activities had helped prevent further damage and enabled them to return to their daily lives.
“After the hailstorm damage, it felt as though everything was over. I could not see any hope, but with WeLoveU’s help, I regained peace of mind. Everyone who helped us with such warm hearts feels truly precious to me. I am so happy and grateful that words cannot fully express my feelings. Thank you.”
Khambai, resident affected by the hailstorm
“For families facing financial hardship, it was extremely difficult to respond to the disaster on their own. WeLoveU’s prompt assistance became a tremendous source of support. Beyond material aid, they brought courage, comfort, and warmth to the residents. I would like to once again express my sincere gratitude for helping residents return to their daily lives.”
Soutchai Latsavong, Director of Association Division, Department of Social Affairs, LFNC
WeLoveU members encouraged their neighbors with a message of hope: “Together, we can overcome difficulties.” The newly repaired roofs will now help the residents sleep peacefully at night.
WeLoveU will continue its journey of hope so that members of the global family can maintain peaceful daily lives even in times of disaster. We hope the people of Chansavang Village will move toward a stronger and brighter tomorrow.
