VIENTIANE, LAO PDR – During the month of August, the U.S. Government has expanded its support for emergency relief in Attapeu Province and nearby areas affected by the severe flooding in July in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, is partnering with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide recovery shelter kits to approximately 250 households impacted by the flooding. Prepared in consultation with the Government of Laos, these shelter kits will include hammers, nails, wire, ropes, saws, shovels, and other essential items to help people rebuild their homes.
In August, U.S. Ambassador Rena Bitter emphasized the United States’ commitment to assisting the affected communities to recover from the disaster. “We recognize that there will be longer term impacts to this tragedy when the water recedes. The American people will continue to stand with the people of Laos.”
The shelter kits will be distributed to households determined to be most in need of assistance.
“Many of these people have lost everything. IOM is committed to helping them to restart their lives. These shelter recovery kits will address some of their most critical needs,” said Misato Yuasa, IOM Laos Head of Office.
The funding for the recovery shelter kits complements a previous grant from USAID to UNICEF that provided affected people with access to clean water, basic hygiene supplies, and other emergency services.
In September 2009, USAID previously provided emergency funds to UNICEF for humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery efforts following a major typhoon that struck southern Laos, including Attapeu Province.
Throughout the country, USAID continues to empower Laos through programs to develop and strengthen their health and education sector, support vulnerable populations, promote sustainable economic growth and trade, and protect the natural environment.
