Lao PDR Urban Disaster Mitigation Project (LUDMP) Click here to view the project location maps Fires, traffic accidents, and other urban emergencies have been identified as the major causes of loss of life and property in Lao PDR especially in its capital city, Vientiane. The objective of LUDMP is to reduce the vulnerability of the population and build environment of Vientiane to fires and man-made urban hazards. To accomplish this, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), in collaboration with the Urban Research Institute (URI) and Fire Protection and Prevention Department, focuses on conducting a risk assessment of Vientiane; building capacity for prevention and response within the city’s emergency service departments; establishing a public awareness campaign; and improving the regulatory system for fire mitigation.