DISASTER DECLARATION FOR FLOODING IN LAOS

UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000458

AIDAC
SIPDIS

STATE FOR G
STATE FOR EAP/MLS
STATE FOR EAP/RSP
STATE FOR EAP/EP
STATE FOR INR
STATE FOR OES/STC
STATE FOR OES/IHA
STATE PASS TO USAID FOR OFDA
AID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA ROBERT THAYER
AID/W FOR ANE
BANGKOK FOR ACTING OFDA PRINCIPAL REGIONAL ADVISOR WILLIAM BERGER
AND ACTING OFDA REGIONAL ADVISOR THOMAS ROGERS
KATHMANDU FOR OFDA REGIONAL ADVISOR SUE MCINTYRE AND ACTING REGIONAL
ADVISOR MARIZA ROGERS
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP (LSTERN)
BANGKOK FOR CDC (MALONEY AND ZIMMERMAN)
BANGKOK FOR USAID (JMACARTHUR, BOWLES, AND ROGERS)
PACOM FOR SURGEON'S OFFICE (COL. MACHESKY)
PACOM FOR J52 (LACY)
PACOM FOR PACAF/SGZ (Cinco, Palmer)
JPAC FOR MUNIPALLI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ECON SENV EWWT EAID CASC ASEC LA
SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION FOR FLOODING IN LAOS

Refs: A) Vientiane 456
B) Vientiane 451
C) Vientiane 450
D) Vientiane 447
E) 07 State 142452


1. This is an action request. In view of the mounting reports of
damage caused by flooding in Vientiane and various provinces in Laos
and in response to the August 18, 2008, appeal of the Government of
Laos to the international community for assistance, the Charge
d'Affaires has determined that a disaster exists, that the disaster
is of such a magnitude that the Lao government is not able to
respond adequately, and that the Lao government desires assistance.
The Embassy requests $50,000 in Ambassador's Authority Funds as
discussed with USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor. The Ambassador, who is
out of the country, concurs with this request.


2. As reported in reftels, intense rainfall in northern Laos has led
to severe flooding in many areas of the country. The Foreign
Ministry's appeal for donor assistance described ongoing events as
"one of the worst floods ever occurred in the Lao PDR" (MFA
diplomatic note No. 1035/AE.OI.1 dated August 18, 2008, but
delivered August 19, 2008) and appealed to the international
community "for immediate assistance and cooperation in flood
mitigation and emergency response efforts."


3. The Mekong River is the principal waterway of Laos and forms
parts of its lengthy border with Thailand. Flooding has affected or
is expected to affect thousands of people, damage homes and
infrastructure, and inundate significant quantities of agricultural
land destroying crops. Major concerns for affected families are
water quality, waterborne diseases, sanitation, the absence of
shelter, adequate food, and the loss of personal property. People
and areas along the river are very likely to continue to be impacted
through the end of the rainy season expected in October.


4. As of August 18, the National Disaster Management Office at the
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare estimated that 10 provinces, 41
districts, 565 villages, 27,838 families and 151,000 people were
affected by the flooding. Six people were killed in Vientiane
province. Preliminary estimates from the provinces indicate that
there was about $12 million worth of damage to crops,
infrastructure, and property in Luang Prabang province and $10
million worth of damage in Bolikhamxay province. No estimates were
yet available for other heavily affected areas, including Vientiane
municipality and Vientiane province.


5. Thus, the Government of Laos has declared that a disaster exists,
and the Charge d'Affaires affirms that it is in the interest of the
U.S. government to provide assistance. In accordance with USAID
disaster guidance (Ref E) and the U. S. Mission Disaster Relief
Plan, the Charge d'Affaires has determined that a contribution of
$50,000 should be made to the Lao Red Cross to help meet the
immediate emergency needs of flood affected populations. This
assistance would fund the purchase of items including, but not
limited to, emergency shelter materials, water, and water
purification tablets and equipment. Additional assistance may be
necessary. Post appreciates advice and support from USAID's Office
of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).

MCGEEHAN