VZCZCXRO3783
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHVN #0458 2321016
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 191016Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2166
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 2319
RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 0089
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHMFIUU/CDR JPAC HICKAM AFB HI

UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000458 
 
AIDAC 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR G 
STATE FOR EAP/MLS 
STATE FOR EAP/RSP 
STATE FOR EAP/EP 
STATE FOR INR 
STATE FOR OES/STC 
STATE FOR OES/IHA 
STATE PASS TO USAID FOR OFDA 
AID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA ROBERT THAYER 
AID/W FOR ANE 
BANGKOK FOR ACTING OFDA PRINCIPAL REGIONAL ADVISOR WILLIAM BERGER 
AND ACTING OFDA REGIONAL ADVISOR THOMAS ROGERS 
KATHMANDU FOR OFDA REGIONAL ADVISOR SUE MCINTYRE AND ACTING REGIONAL 
ADVISOR MARIZA ROGERS 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP (LSTERN) 
BANGKOK FOR CDC (MALONEY AND ZIMMERMAN) 
BANGKOK FOR USAID (JMACARTHUR, BOWLES, AND ROGERS) 
PACOM FOR SURGEON'S OFFICE (COL. MACHESKY) 
PACOM FOR J52 (LACY) 
PACOM FOR PACAF/SGZ (Cinco, Palmer) 
JPAC FOR MUNIPALLI 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL ECON SENV EWWT EAID CASC ASEC LA
SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION FOR FLOODING IN LAOS 
 
Refs: A) Vientiane 456 
B) Vientiane 451 
C) Vientiane 450 
D) Vientiane 447 
E) 07 State 142452 
 
¶1. This is an action request.  In view of the mounting reports of 
damage caused by flooding in Vientiane and various provinces in Laos 
and in response to the August 18, 2008, appeal of the Government of 
Laos to the international community for assistance, the Charge 
d'Affaires has determined that a disaster exists, that the disaster 
is of such a magnitude that the Lao government is not able to 
respond adequately, and that the Lao government desires assistance. 
The Embassy requests $50,000 in Ambassador's Authority Funds as 
discussed with USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor.  The Ambassador, who is 
out of the country, concurs with this request. 
 
¶2. As reported in reftels, intense rainfall in northern Laos has led 
to severe flooding in many areas of the country.  The Foreign 
Ministry's appeal for donor assistance described ongoing events as 
"one of the worst floods ever occurred in the Lao PDR" (MFA 
diplomatic note No. 1035/AE.OI.1 dated August 18, 2008, but 
delivered August 19, 2008) and appealed to the international 
community "for immediate assistance and cooperation in flood 
mitigation and emergency response efforts." 
 
¶3. The Mekong River is the principal waterway of Laos and forms 
parts of its lengthy border with Thailand.  Flooding has affected or 
is expected to affect thousands of people, damage homes and 
infrastructure, and inundate significant quantities of agricultural 
land destroying crops.  Major concerns for affected families are 
water quality, waterborne diseases, sanitation, the absence of 
shelter, adequate food, and the loss of personal property.  People 
and areas along the river are very likely to continue to be impacted 
through the end of the rainy season expected in October. 
 
¶4.  As of August 18, the National Disaster Management Office at the 
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare estimated that 10 provinces, 41 
districts, 565 villages, 27,838 families and 151,000 people were 
affected by the flooding.  Six people were killed in Vientiane 
province.  Preliminary estimates from the provinces indicate that 
there was about $12 million worth of damage to crops, 
infrastructure, and property in Luang Prabang province and $10 
million worth of damage in Bolikhamxay province.  No estimates were 
yet available for other heavily affected areas, including Vientiane 
municipality and Vientiane province. 
 
¶5. Thus, the Government of Laos has declared that a disaster exists, 
and the Charge d'Affaires affirms that it is in the interest of the 
U.S. government to provide assistance.  In accordance with USAID 
disaster guidance (Ref E) and the U. S. Mission Disaster Relief 
Plan, the Charge d'Affaires has determined that a contribution of 
$50,000 should be made to the Lao Red Cross to help meet the 
immediate emergency needs of flood affected populations.  This 
assistance would fund the purchase of items including, but not 
limited to, emergency shelter materials, water, and water 
purification tablets and equipment.   Additional assistance may be 
necessary.  Post appreciates advice and support from USAID's Office 
of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). 
 
MCGEEHAN