Vientiane, 28 August 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW), has launched a new initiative to enhance human security and disaster response in Lao PDR. With a total of USD 3.8 million (2024-2027), the project “Strengthening Disaster Response Capacity through the Establishment of Evacuation Shelters” will establish 12 fully equipped evacuation shelters in Khammoune, Salavan, and Champassak provinces, providing safe refuge for vulnerable communities during emergencies. Alongside the construction of evacuation shelters, the project will support the revision of the National Guidelines for the Selection and Assessment of Evacuation Shelters. This will ensure that the facilities are inclusively designed, climate-resilient, and built not only to protect lives during crises but also to serve as multifunctional spaces that support community livelihoods and social cohesion in non-emergency times.

Lao PDR remains highly vulnerable to flooding, with nearly 40 percent of its population exposed to flood risks. In 2022 and 2023 alone, floods across the three target provinces caused damage exceeding 40 billion kip. More recently, tropical depression Wipha triggered severe flooding and landslides in multiple provinces, including Khammouane, where over 335 families in Hinboun District were directly affected. The disaster destroyed 41 hectares of rice fields, damaged vital roads, and disrupted connectivity between districts, with total losses estimated at more than 1.2 billion kip.

The project approach goes beyond emergency response by integrating long-term resilience into community life. Updated national guidelines will draw on lessons learned and practical feedback, ensuring that evacuation shelters meet the diverse needs of women, ethnic communities, and persons with disabilities. Each shelter will adopt gender-sensitive and inclusive standards that prioritize safety, privacy, and accessibility. At the same time, the facilities are designed to serve as multipurpose community assets, supporting local events, small businesses, and education, which aim to strengthen livelihoods and foster social cohesion well beyond times of crisis.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, His Excellency Mr. Phoxay Sayasone, the Ambassador of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Lao PDR, His Excellency Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, and the Resident Representative of UNDP Lao PDR, Ms. Martine Thérer, highlighted the importance of initiatives that strengthen disaster resilience and protect vulnerable communities. 

Opening the remarks, His Excellency Mr. Phoxay Sayasone, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare stressed the project’s significance for Lao PDR’s disaster preparedness. He highlighted, “Evacuation shelters will strengthen both technical capacity and human resources, but their success depends on close coordination among ministries, local authorities, and communities. He called on all partners to dedicate their efforts to realizing the project’s objectives”. 

Echoing this call for collaboration, His Excellency Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Lao PDR, underlined Japan’s solidarity with Lao PDR, noting that both nations are highly disaster-prone. He reaffirmed, “Japan’s readiness to share its expertise in disaster preparedness and response, and emphasized that the project reflects this commitment. He urged all stakeholders to ensure timely and high-quality implementation to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Lao people.” 

Ms. Martine Thérer, Resident Representative of UNDP Lao PDR, further emphasized that the Evacuation Shelter project builds on years of cooperation between the Government, UNDP, and partners to strengthen preparedness. She underscored, “UNDP commits to ensuring every shelter meets high standards of safety, inclusivity, and functionality; providing secure and dignified spaces that not only protect lives during crises but also help communities recover and rebuild.”. 

The project is made possible through a generous contribution of the Government of Japan amounting to 615 million Yen, approximately USD 3.8 million. It reflects the strong commitment of all partners to advancing disaster risk reduction and resilience in Lao PDR. UNDP and MOLSW will work closely with national and local partners to ensure that the shelters not only provide immediate protection but also serve as long-term assets for communities. Together, these efforts mark an essential step toward a safer, more resilient Lao PDR, where no one is left behind.