Flood Resilience in the Lower Mekong

Annually, an average of 48,200 people in Lao PDR are affected by flooding, causing approximately $159 million in damages. Urbanisation, economic development and climate change are expected to increase these impacts.

Despite efforts such as the National Early Warning Strategy and Early Warning Standard Operating Procedures, significant challenges remain in early warning capacities and information dissemination processes. Unlike the SDC-supported system in Cambodia, which utilises innovative and low-cost technology to provide early warnings to at-risk communities, Lao PDR lacks a comprehensive national early warning system, leaving communities vulnerable with inadequate disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

This project aims to address this development gap by replicating the successful early warning system from Cambodia to Lao PDR. The early warning system has been effectively used in Cambodia not only for flood events but also to warn populations of storms. Its proven success, scalability and cost-effectiveness align with the Lao Government's request to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in response to growing climate risks.

• 1,155,000 people in at-risk areas benefit from the improved early warning system, including 30,000 subscribers and 120,000 reached through campaigns
• 55 authorities; 45 CSOs and members of local communities

Expected results:  

• Water level sensors and EWS dissemination channels are deployed
• Governmental officials have increased capacities and access to EWS and early action
• At-risk communities and public authorities increased their knowledge of the proposed early warning system

Results from previous phases:  

This first phase builds on the successful project implementation in Cambodia (2017 to mid-2022) and a pilot project conducted in the 3 southern provinces of Lao PDR - Saravan, Champasak and Attapeu (2023 to mid-2024). Key insights from pilot activities in Lao PDR include:

• Strong collaboration with MoNRE facilitated MoU signing, and a joint field mission in May 2024, involving MoNRE Vice-Minister and the Swiss Ambassador, secured buy-in from MoNRE
• 12 water sensor installations, early warning system platform, telecom partnerships, and evaluating hydrological stations demonstrated the system's performance
• Need for pluralistic last mile system, due to limited mobile phone use in certain communities

SDC: MRC, DSTIA, ADPC/Geoneon

Other Initiatives/DPs: CREWS, FAO and WFP on Anticipatory Action program