Lao Gov’t approves compensation policy for dam collapse victims

People affected by widespread flooding caused by the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam in Attapeu province look to receive full compensation.
Lao Gov’t approves compensation policy for dam collapse victims ảnh 1People flee from dangerous area after the crumbling of Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - People affected by widespread flooding caused by the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam in Attapeu province look toreceive full compensation as the government determined that the flood was not anatural disaster, according to local daily Vientiane Times.

Speaking at ameeting of the National Ad Hoc Committee onAugust 1 to discuss measures to assist the victims of the devastating flood,Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said the disaster was not causedby natural events so the compensation package should be more than usual.

Representativesfrom ministries, who are also members of the committee, attended the meeting,which was chaired by Sonexay.

Head of the Office of the Ministry of Energy and Mines Daovong Phonekeo, saidthe meeting agreed in principle that the compensation package will be differentfrom that normally awarded to the victims of natural disasters.

According to VientianeTimes, temporary housing will be built, withcompletion expected in two months, to accommodate people who become homelessafter widespread flooding in Sanamxay district.

Governor of the district Bounhome Phommasane said the local authorities, in collaboration with SK Engineeringand Construction of the Republic of Korea – one of the four stakeholders in thedam, are building houses in the district.

The new facilities will house thousands of displaced villages untilpermanent homes and communities can be built, he added.

On July 23, a saddle dam ofthe Sepien-Senamnoi hydroelectric power project, invested by RoK, Thai andLao companies, burst, unleashing 5 billion cubic meters of water from themountain to 13 villages of Sanamxay district downstream the Xe Pian River, some560 km southeast of Vientiane.

Some 587 families with 3,060 people were madehomeless, while 131 people were reported missing.-VNA
VNA

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