Lao PDR Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Management Project

The objective of the Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Management Project for Laos is to reduce the impacts of flooding in Muang Xay and enhance the Government’s capacity to provide hydro-meteorological services and disaster response. There are five components to the project, the first component being integrated urban flood risk management. This component will strengthen flood protection and resilient urban planning in Muang Xay. The component activities will be coordinated with DUPH of MPWT. This component includes three subcomponents: structural investments, non-structural investments, and project management. The second component is the Hydromet modernization and early warning systems. This component will improve the delivery of weather, climate, and hydrological services and end-to-end early warning systems throughout the country. Physical investments will include three provinces of the Nam Ou River Basin, namely Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, and Phongsali. The third component is the financial planning for disaster resilience. This component includes two subcomponents: support for strengthening national financial resilience, and payment of disaster risk insurance premium. The fourth component is the knowledge and coordination. This component supports: (a) overall project coordination and management, including M&E, and financial audits; and (b) studies for mainstreaming DRM in planning and investment. Finally, the fifth component is the contingent emergency response component. This component will allow for a reallocation of credit proceeds from other components to provide emergency recovery and reconstruction support following an eligible crisis or emergency. An Emergency Response Manual (ERM) will be developed with fiduciary, safeguards, monitoring and reporting, and any other necessary implementation arrangements.