(KPL​) – The support of the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is planning to build 12 evacuation centers in Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack provinces over the next 3 years. 

The Signing the Funding Agreement in Vientiane on , 19th November 2024, Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, stated, 

“Through this project, we aim to enhance disaster resilience, not only by ensuring the safety of people during emergencies but also by fostering in advance a culture of disaster awareness and preparedness. Japan will continue to contribute to strengthening Laos’ resilience as a strategic partner.”

“The Strengthening Disaster Response Capacity through the Improvement of Evacuation Shelters project, in short Evacuation Center project, aims to support communities by establishing resilient infrastructure. It also aims to enhance relevant national policies and strengthen capacity at the national and community levels to better prepare for and withstand disaster. Its goal is to ensure that individuals are equipped to protect their livelihoods, improve their economic resilience, and reduce socioeconomic inequalities when a disaster strikes”, noted for her part Ms. Martine Thérer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Lao PDR. 

Lao PDR is highly prone to natural disasters, which have been exacerbated by climate change and deforestation. In September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi caused heavy rain and flooding that severely impacted northern and central provinces, affecting more than 145,000 people and causing widespread damage. Recurrent disasters exacerbate the vulnerability of local communities and create ongoing challenges to social and economic progress. Natural disasters, such as floods, worsen poverty, food insecurity, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, particularly among the poorest communities. 

The impact of these events can manifest in various ways, including forced migration, school dropouts, loss of employment opportunities, and an increase in illegal activities, among others. 

Valued at approximately USD 3.8 million, the three-year Evacuation Center project will support the Government of Lao PDR, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW), in establishing safe evacuation sites to provide essential facilities and immediate safety for over one million people in the provinces of Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack in case of a disaster. In addition to the construction of 12 evacuation centers, the project will support the revision of the National Guidelines for the Selection and Assessment of Evacuation Centers, ensuring robust and inclusive designs and fully equipped evacuation centers to protect people during emergencies. Best practices and lessons learnt through the project will be systematized and disseminated to support enhanced long-term preparedness. 

The Government of Japan is a lead advocate of human security in its many dimensions. 

Through investments in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction regionally and globally and the sharing of its expertise in constructing large-scale evacuation centers, Japan plays a key role in strengthening the safety and resilience of communities in disaster-prone areas. 

This new collaboration on Strengthening Disaster Response Capacity through the Improvement of Evacuation Shelters reflects the strong partnership between the Government of Japan and UNDP globally and in Lao PDR in particular, as well as their shared commitment to work towards a more resilient and safer future for all. 

KPL