Bangkok – The Thai Prime Minister has instructed officials to provide assistance to Laos, following the collapse of Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam in the southern region.
According to Kiattikhun Chartprasert, the Thai Ambassador-Designate to the Lao PDR, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha gave the instruction to officials after his return from the recent mobile cabinet meeting in the Northeastern region. He was briefed on the situation and immediately sent help and offered words of condolence to neighboring Laos.
The Ambassador said the Royal Thai Embassy Vientiane has already given funds to Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Khamphao Ernthavanh as initial financial support. Those wishing to contribute to the relief efforts can donate through the Royal Thai Embassy-Donation Krung Thai Bank account number 945-1-03-115-4. The Thai Embassy in Vientiane is also accepting dry food, survival kits, drinking water and medicines. For more information about donations, please call 66 2354 6195-6 extension number 111 or 856 21 214 581-3 extension number 111.
On Tuesday, Laos’ state media reported hundreds of people missing and several feared dead after a hydropower dam under construction in southern Laos collapsed, causing flash flooding which swept away homes.
The Lao News Agency reports that the disaster has left more than 6,600 people homeless. A video on social media shows villagers wading through muddy flood waters carrying belongings. ABC Laos news reported that officials have brought boats to help evacuate people in San Sai district of Attapeu province, where the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam is located, as water levels rise after the collapse.
The company building the dam said heavy rain and flooding caused the collapse that released five billion cubic meters of water and it is cooperating with the Laos government to help rescue villagers near the dam.
According to ABC Laos News, Thai rescuers have arrived at the site to provide assistance, while adding that local residents have taken to social media to express their gratitude toward Thailand for the gesture of help.
