Lao People's Democratic Republic - Floods and Dam Emergency Update

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 06:52:00 +02:00

Following the collapse on 23 July of a section of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam, the death toll remains at 27 people.
National authorities report, as of 30 July, that 123 people are missing. According to media, 6 600 people were reported displaced inside five evacuation centres and 16 000 people were affected by the floods in 13 villages across Sanamxay District.
Over the next ten days, more rain may affect the area.

Lao People's Democratic Republic - Flash Floods and Dam Emergency

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 06:52:00 +02:00

A section of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam (under construction), located in southern Lao PDR, collapsed on 23 July evening, probably due to the heavy rains that have been affecting the region over the past week. This caused flash floods, casualties and damages.
The eight most affected villages are within Sanamxay District (Attapeu Province): Ban Mai, Ban HinLath, Ban ThaSengchan, Ban Thahintai, Ban Sanong, Ban Thae, Ban Phonsa-ath and Ban Nongkhae. 357 villages across 41 districts are affected.
The flooding has caused a severe impact on houses, infrastructures and livelihoods. According to UN OCHA, as of 24 July, five people were reported dead, 34 missing, 1 494 evacuated to temporary emergency shelters and 11 777 affected. In addition, OCHA reports that 243 houses were damaged, 14 bridges and several roads damaged. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. The Government of Lao PDR has declared the Samanxay District in Attapeu Province as a Disaster Area.
Over the next 24 hours, locally heavy rains are forecast over most of the country.