The term “Water security” comprises three components: (i) “Too much water” : Flood risks management; (ii) “Not enough water” : Drought risks management: (iii) “Bad water quality” : water quality and health related risks management. These three components will be addressed in a series of modules on water security. Additionally, a specific module will be conducted on Climate Change adaptation and mitigation and impacts on water security policies and strategies. This concept note addresses the module related to the topic “Flood Risks Management”.
Flood is often mentioned as one of the most major concern for many river basins in Lao PDR. Every year, flood is reported in various areas of the country. Sometimes, it causes heavy damages and even cost human live. It is expected that more severe flood events will occur in the future. Two main causes are suggested: (i) global climate change is disrupting the normal curves depth-duration-intensity of rainfalls making more probable severe rainfall events and (ii) de-forestation is listed as well as a major cause of flash flood especially in the upper-watersheds, which are very sensitive to change in land coverage, making runoff becoming a more important factor in the hydrological cycle. The change of land-use in urban and semi-urban areas is also a cause of worsening floods and worsening consequences on valuable economic infrastructures and family assets.
