Disaster Response and Displacement Management

Lao People’s Democratic Republic is prone to recurrent hazards including floods, drought, and landslides. Floods are highly disruptive to the livelihoods of people since affected areas often include primary economic activities (such as agriculture) and are home to over 60% of the population. Six major floods from 2008-2016 have displaced more than 110,811 people, making the country one of the most disaster-prone areas in Southeast Asia. In 2015, IOM developed and implemented its first disaster risk management (DRM) project: “Strengthening Capacity to Respond to Humanitarian Emergencies in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.” This project targeted the central government and delivered three provincial trainings in the areas of shelter, camp coordination/camp management,  and the provision of humanitarian relief items.

From July 2018 to February 2019, IOM provided technical expertise in disaster response, displacement management, and migration health to assist the victims and affected population of the flooding in Attapeu province. IOM provided material support and conducted capacity building trainings for government officials and camp managers on Displacement Tracking Matrix and Camp Coordination/Camp Management, as well as village volunteers to disseminate Build Back Safer messages to affected households. In addition, IOM conducted three rounds of data collections after which produced the Displacement Tracking Matrix reports and provided a number of technical tools and resources on Shelter and Camp Coordination/Camp Management with key government partners.

For the health sector, IOM donated mosquito nets and clothes for men and women in flood affected area, as well as medical equipment along with related trainings to three health facilities in the districts. IOM also provided vehicles on the ground to assist the distribution of medical equipment, such as vaccinations and assisted in the transportation of health staffs. In February 2019, IOM also assisted the Lao-Thai government cooperation on the deployment of a joint psychologist team and facilitated the training for medical and non-medical professionals in the flood affected districts.

Key Donors

• Community Chest of Korea (CCK)
• USAID Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)