Vietnamese firm tries to take workers out of flooded area in Laos

7/25/2018 - 9:46:53 AM

Hoang Anh Giai Lai joint Stock Company of Vietnam is planning to hire helicopters to bring its 26 workers out of the flooded area on July 25 morning at the earliest after the collapse of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam in the Lao province of Attapeu a day earlier.

Flood in the Lao province of Attapeu caused by the collapse of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam. (Photo: VNA)

The workers have been isolated in Paksong district in Champasak province which borders Attapeu to the east. They have been short of food and clean water.

The Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy Power Company, which is building the dam, said it is cooperating with the Lao Government to carry out rescue and relief efforts for local residents.

The Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam collapsed at 8pm on July 23, causing flash flooding in 10 villages in lower areas and completely isolated Sanamxay district. Five out of Sanamxay district’s villages, namely May, Hinlath, Nhaythe Sanong Tay, Thasengchan and Thahin, have been absolutely submerged.

The disaster, which was supposed to be triggered by downpours in recent days, has left more than 100 people missing and over 1,300 families with 6,600 people homeless. Rescue and relief efforts are facing a range of challenges due to difficult traffic conditions.

The 410 MW project, which is estimated to cost US$1.02 billion, is the first build-operate-transfer project to be undertaken by Korean companies in Laos.

The feasibility study for the hydroelectric project was completed in November 2008. Construction of the project began in February 2013 and commercial operations are expected to begin in 2018.

Source: NDO

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