The Vietnamese government has handed US$200,000 in aid to the Lao government to overcome consequences of the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam in Attapeu province on July 23.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (right) handed over US$200,000 to Laos Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
|
Trung emphasized that Vietnamese leaders and people have paid attention to the news of the incident and offer the deepest sympathies with the Lao people.
Vietnam will do whatever in its ability to help Laos quickly overcome the difficulties and consequences of the incident, the deputy minister affirmed.
On behalf of the Lao government, Ambassador Thongsavanh expressed his gratitude to the timely attention and support from Vietnamese government and people. He pledged to transfer the amount of money to the Lao government as soon as possible to help local people in Attapeu.
Earlier on July 24-25, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan extended messages of condolences to their Lao counterparts. Deputy PM, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also sent a message of condolences to Lao Foreign Minister.
The "Saddle dam D" dam of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower project in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province broke down on July 23, releasing 500 million cubic meters of water, causing flash floods in ten low-lying villages and completely isolating Sanamxay district. More than 3,000 people have been displaced.
At a press conference on July 25, Lao Prime Minister said 131 people were missing and they are all Lao citizens.
Western media and Thai consul general in Laos said 27 people were killed, but Chief of Sanamxay district Bounhome Phommasane said on July 25 that only one person was found.
The search and rescue campaign is still ongoing with the participation of experts from Vietnam, China and Thailand.
