Situational Overview
Following the destruction caused by Typhoon Ketsana to the southern Provinces of Lao PDR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 9 October 2009, held a press conference to appeal for international assistance and report on the accessed damage and immediate needs of the affected people. Damage to agricultural infrastructure (rice field, aquaculture fields and livestock) and basic infrastructure (houses, hospitals, schools, and roads) has been extensive.
According to preliminary figures from the Government, a total of five provinces, 482 villages were affected. An estimated 178,000 people, approximately 27,836 households were affected, with 9,602 households being displaced. Approximately 39,032 Ha of rice and crop field were damaged. The livestock deaths reported were: 648 buffaloes, 2,051 cows, 2,858 pigs, and 26,598 poultry. A total of 17 people lost their lives and 91 were injured. (National Disaster Management Office - NDMO figures as of 22 Oct. 2009)
In support of the governments fund raising efforts, the UN Disaster Management Team issued a CERF appeal, under the Rapid Response window, in the amount of USD 3,727,355 on 16 October 2009. The CERF funds will enable the UNCT to provide immediate emergency assistance to the 178,000 affected people for three month. At the same time, the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) issued a Flash Appeal for Lao PDR in the amount of USD 10,153,872 on 19 October 2009, addressing the early recovery needs for the next six months. The Flash Appeal was officially launched by the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, also Chair of the National Disaster Management Committee and the UN Resident Coordinator on 22 October 2009. To date, the Government has disbursed 3 billion Lak (app. USD 360,030) to the affected provinces.
While fund raising efforts were in progress, the IASC organized a joint assessment led by Government comprised of UN agencies and NGOs to the affected Provinces from 18 October to 24 October. The World Bank is also undertaking a post disaster recovery assessment looking at longer term infrastructure needs. The findings of both the IASC and World Bank assessments will refine the initial figures detailed in the Flash Appeal and identify the actual vulnerable people who will be targeted for emergency and early recovery assistance. The findings will also be used to update the Flash Appeal in one month's time.