DISASTER DECLARATION FOR FLOODING IN LAOS

UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000469 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 USAID FOR DCHA/OFDA ROBERT THAYER AID/W FOR ANE BANGKOK FOR USAID/OFDA REGIONAL ADVISOR A. DWYER 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) Telcon (Daley-Dwyer) B) 07 STATE 142452 ¶1. This is an action request. In view of the mounting reports of damage caused by flooding in Attapu, Xekong, and Saravan provinces in Laos and in response to the September 30, 2009, appeal of the Government of Laos to the international community for assistance, the Ambassador has determined that a disaster exists, that the disaster is of such a magnitude that the Lao government is not able to respond adequately, that the Lao government desires assistance, and that providing such assistance is in the USG interest. The Embassy requests $50,000 in Ambassador's Authority Funds as discussed with USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor (Ref A). ¶2. During the evening of September 29 and morning of September 30, the remnants of Typhoon Ketsana passed over Laos' southern provinces of Attapu, Xekong, and Saravan. Initial reports indicate that roughly one-quarter of Saravan municipality flooded, and many surrounding villages, especially along the Xekong River, also flooded. In Xekong province, at least 30 villages were destroyed by flooding. Two villages can only be reached by boat, and authorities have not yet been able to reach them to make an assessment. Attapu province also reports flooded areas. ¶3. Post has received no reports of affected AmCits, and there are no reports of deaths as of Noon, October 1. The flood waters have begun to recede, though numerous families will be left homeless and without adequate food or water. In Saravan province, the Provincial Disaster Committee has organized three teams to assist in disaster relief, and the MND deployed a helicopter for an aerial survey. ¶4. In accordance with Ref B. and the U.S. Mission Disaster Relief Plan, the Ambassador has determined that a contribution of 50,000 USD 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 food and non-food items. Additional assistance may be necessary. Post will continue to monitor the situation and reevaluate our assistance as more information becomes available. Post appreciates advice and support from USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). Huso