People evacuate from a flooded area after the dam in Attapeu province broke (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Vientiane (VNA) – The vicinity of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam project in Attapeu province is a temporarily prohibited area, and no organisations or individuals are allowed to enter this area without permissions from the government or local administration, the Lao Prime Minister’s Office announced on August 3.
The announcement also said that Attapeu and neighbouring Champasak province are responsible for monitoring, examining and temporarily prohibiting all activities until the investigation and settlement of the dam collapse finish.
Additionally, the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Laos was requested to coordinate with relevant sides to promptly consider and propose the establishment of a board for probing into the cause and impact of the incident and seeking settlement measures.
At about 8pm of July 23, the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam burst, flooding 10 villages in downstream areas and completely isolating Sanamxay district, where it is located. The collapse has affected more than 1,300 families with 6,600 people and made many others missing.
The Lao Government is coordinating with domestic and foreign working groups to address the aftermath and support affected residents.–VNA
VNA
