July 24, 2018
Laos dam collapse: 'Hundreds missing' after flash floods hit villages
23 minutes ago
Hundreds of people are missing and an unknown number dead after a dam collapsed in south-east Laos, state media reported.
The collapse at the hydroelectric dam in Attapeu province late on Monday sent flash floods through six villages, Lao News Agency said.
"The disaster has claimed several human lives [and] left hundreds of people missing," the agency reported.
More than 6,600 people have been made homeless, it added.
The reason for the collapse of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy dam is not clear. Its construction began in 2013 and it was due to begin generating power this year.
Laos country profile
The incident follows heavy rain and flooding across southern Laos.
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has postponed government meetings and gone to the affected area in Sanamxay district with senior officials to monitor relief efforts, state media said.
Local authorities have appealed to government bodies and other communities to help provide emergency aid for the victims such as clothing, food, drinking water and medicine.
Laos has built several dams in recent years and plans to build more, taking advantage of its high annual rainfall and hilly terrain. It exports most of its hydroelectric power to neighbouring countries such as Thailand.
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