1.
MLS French hospital
0.03

2.
MS Sick and wounded near hospital in emergency tents
0.06

3.
MCU Destitute mother and child
0.09

4.
MS Medical officer injecting patients
0.12

5.
Two patients
0.16

6.
MS Medical officer gives instructions
0.20

7.
Red Cross Team
0.23

8.
MLV Rice being distributed
0.29

9.
MS DITTO
0.31

10.
MCU Cooked rice being distributed
0.35

11.
MS DITTO
0.40

12.
Street scene
0.46



Initials PC/V/ES


EDITORS: PLEASE REFER TO PROD NOS. 8301/8303 ON SAME SUBJECT.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Five days of fierce fighting in the Laotian capital of Vientiane left hundreds killed and wounded. The short-staffed French hospital worked day and night but could scarcely keep up with the stream of casualties.

When fighting ceased in the city, relief medical teams were flown in to reinforce the small team of doctors who had been working alone through the crisis. Medical officers and supplies were flown in from Thailand and more medical supplies came from Singapore.

Medical teams began a mass inoculation when it was feared that an epidemic might break out - the fighting left the city without adequate water.

Meanwhile, food supplies were airlifted to the stricken city to replenish dangerously low stocks. Free rice was distributed to the refugees and destitutes who had lost everything in the battle.