This Handbook is specific for Lao PDR, and has been adapted from the DaLA methodology developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) and developed to provide the necessary guidance for undertaking damage, loss and needs assessment as well as for developing post-disaster recovery and reconstruction plan, based on the context and experiences of Lao PDR. The Handbook is structured as follows:
Section I: Introduction to the Handbook
Section II: Damage loss and needs assessment
Section II A: Methodology for damage loss and needs assessment
Section II B: Standard Operating Procedures for undertaking damage, loss and needs assessment
Section II C: Guidance Notes on undertaking damage loss and needs assessment
Section III: Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Plan

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) in close partnership with line ministries have led the development of this Handbook in order to provide guidance for post-disaster recovery and reconstruction planning.