At a glance: Lao People's Democratic Republic

Funding appeals and humanitarian action updates

Heavy rainfall in and around the Mekong watershed caused the most severe floods in living memory in Lao PDR between 12 to 18 August 2008. A total of 865 villages (48,925 households) in eleven provinces with a population of approximately 200,000 have been affected.  A Rapid Assessment was conducted by the IASC in-country Team for Natural Disaster Response Preparedness. The Assessment has shown that the flood damages to health, nutrition and sanitation have been severe in addition to compromising the main source of livelihoods and the agricultural sector. 

In the initial response phase, UNICEF immediately reacted by providing emergency life-saving relief support to affected communities, in particular children and women. Assistance was provided to directly improve the conditions of the most vulnerable populations in the areas of health, nutrition, water and sanitation, as well as support to the rapid assessment of the needs. 

A Joint Appeal for Flood Recovery and Rehabilitation in Lao PDR has been launched by all UN agencies and partners assisting the government in the response. The UNICEF component summarizes the requirements for the emergency and early recovery response in the sectors of health and nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection and education totalling US$1,800,000 for a period of 12 months.
Lao PDR Humanitarian Action Update - 23 September 2008 [pdf]