Laos Floods - UNICEF Water and Sanitation Appeal 2008

Heavy rainfall between August 12 and 18 in Laos resulted in the most severe floods in living memory. More than 200 000 people have been affected. A needs assessment identified water and sanitation as one of the key areas requiring support. Drinking water is reportedly either contaminated or not available at all in some areas while water and sanitation facilities in schools and health centres have been heavily damaged leaving affected populations vulnerable to water- and vector-borne diseases such as cholera diarrhoea and malaria. The objectives of this project are to: (1) provide potable water and sanitation services to affected populations; (2) carry out risk-reducing communication activities to promote better hygiene practices; (3) ensure the rehabilitation and / or restoration of water and sanitation facilities in schools and health centres; and (4) ensure effective coordination of the water and sanitation cluster response.