Hundreds dead or missing after dam collapse in Attapeu, southeastern Laos
Hundreds of people are dead or missing after an under construction dam collapsed in southeastern Laos late Monday, July 23, 2018.
According to Laos News Agency, several hundred people are missing after a hydroelectric dam in Sanamxay district of Attapeu province collapsed late Monday, sending fast-moving water through six villages, including Yai Thae, Hinlad, Mai, Thasengchan, Tha Hin, and Samong.
Hinlad and Mai villages are reportedly the hardest-hit.
The collapse reportedly released 5 billion cubic meters of water, destroying numerous homes and leaving more than 6 600 people homeless, the agency said.
The reason for the collapse is still not clear.
The dam is being built by Xe Pien-Xe Namnoy Power Company and is a joint project between several South Korean and Laos companies.
The construction of this 410-megawatt capacity dam began in 2013 and the plant was supposed to start commercial operations by 2019, with 90% of its electricity sent to Thailand.
Featured image credit: Rehmat Ali
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