VIENTIANE, LAO PDR – U.S. Ambassador Rena Bitter announced the deployment of an assessment team and the immediate release of $100,000 for emergency relief in Attapeu Province and nearby flood-affected areas of Southern Laos on Friday, July 27.

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Government has deployed a team of experts to coordinate and manage the U.S. Government response, and has partnered with UNICEF Laos to provide affected people with access to clean water, basic hygiene supplies, and other emergency services.  This funding will directly support UNICEF efforts to provide clean drinking water and water purification solutions, rehabilitate damaged water supply and sanitation facilities at health centers and schools in the disaster area, support hygiene awareness efforts to prevent the outbreak of water-borne disease, as well as identify and support unaccompanied children and those separated from their families.

“We recognize that there will be longer term impacts to this tragedy,” said Ambassador Bitter. “When the water recedes, the American people will continue to stand with the people of the Lao PDR.”

U.S. Government support for emergency relief in Attapeu Province and nearby flood-affected areas of Southern Laos is coordinated by USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).  USAID previously provided emergency funds to UNICEF in September 2009 for humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery efforts following a major typhoon that struck southern Laos, including Attapeu Province.

Throughout the country, USAID continues to empower Laos through programs to develop and strengthen their health and education sector, support vulnerable populations, promote sustainable economic growth and trade, and protect the natural environment.