Flood Resilience in the Lower Mekong


Lao PDR is vulnerable to hydro-meteorological events, exacerbated by climate change and unplanned urbanization. In partnership with the Lao government, Switzerland is committed to strengthening early warning systems, preparedness and response capacities of authorities and vulnerable communities by leveraging low-cost technologies and successful experience of the Cambodian 1294 Early Warning System.

Región/País Tema Período Presupuesto
Laos
Mekong
Cambio climático y medio ambiente
Agua
Reducción de riesgos de catástrofes
Política del sector del agua
01.01.2023 - 31.07.2027
CHF  1’097’818
Contexto

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.

Objetivos Communities in targeted provinces of Lao PDR are more resilient to floods.
Grupos destinarios
  • 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
Efectos a medio plazo Public authorities and local communities in Lao PDR effectively utilise end-to-end and people-centred early warning system.
Resultados

Resultados previstos:  

  • 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


Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

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


Dirección / Officina Federal responsable COSUDE
Crédito Cooperación al desarrollo
Contrapartes del proyecto Contraparte del contrato
ONG internacional o extranjera
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • People in Need


Coordinación con otros proyectos y actores

SDC: MRC, DSTIA, ADPC/Geoneon

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

Presupuesto Fase en curso Presupuesto suizo CHF    1’097’818 Presupuesto actual suizo ya emitido CHF    334’150 Total del proyecto desde la primera fase Presupuesto suizo CHF   128’818 Presupuesto inclusive contrapartes del proyecto CHF   1’097’818
Fases del proyecto Fase 1 01.01.2023 - 31.07.2027   (Fase en curso)