MRC welcomes Laos’ decision following dam break hinh anh 1Relief is delivered to victims of the Sepien-Senamnoi dam break (Photo: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) – The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has welcomed the Lao Government’s decision to review all existing and underway dams and suspend the consideration of all new hydropower projects following a recent dam break.

In its announcement on August 15, the MRC said it wholeheartedly welcomed the decision and initiative of the Lao Prime Minister to review all the dams and suspend all new hydropower projects.

It will join hands with Laos to review and update its hydropower strategy and plan based on the MRC’s basin development strategy and plan and the on-going state of the basin report for a more sustainable Mekong region, the commission added.

A dam of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower plant in Attapeu province of Laos broke on July 23, affecting 13 villages in Sanamxay district with six completely flooded.

As of August 14, 39 people had died while 97 other remained unaccounted for in this incident, statistics of Laos showed.–VNA
VNA