CERF allocates $2 million for emergency assistance to floods-afftected populations in Laos

Young performers in Laos [Photo: UNDP]

11 September 2008: Heavy flooding in August has seriously affected the lives of over 200,000 people in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, damaging infrastructure and crops. In response, CERF has channeled over $2 million in emergency assistance through five UN agencies working in the country with the government and other humanitarian partners.

With a grant of $223,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) will address the health risks posed by flooding. The project aims to support the government in monitoring and responding to outbreaks of diseases. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will use a $200,000 CERF grant to help 5,000 poor farming households restore their agriculture and livestock activities, ensuring their food security and reducing their dependence on food aid. 

A $100,000 CERF grant will allow the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) to restore water and sanitation infrastructure in affected schools, medical facilities and communities, coupled with hygiene    and sanitation awareness campaigns, assisting over 77,000 people.

The World Food Programme (WFP), with $1,000,000 from the CERF, will provide immediate food assistance to people who have lost their crops and food stocks in the floods and who are unable to meet their immediate food needs. The assistance is expected to reach at least 40,000 people.

Some $500,000 in CERF funding will allow the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to address the health and nutrition needs of 25,000 children and 10,500 pregnant/lactating women; provide potable water to 140,000 people; restore water and sanitation facilities in 30 schools and health centers; repair 45 primary schools; and provide psychosocial counseling to 10,000 children affected by the flooding.

[Last Update: 23 September 2008]