A delegation led by Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Lim Jock Hoi (L), on July 29 visited people who were affected by the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam in Sanamxay district of Laos’ Attapeu province (Photo: VNA)Vientiane (VNA) – A delegation led by Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on July 29 visited people who were affected by the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam in Sanamxay district of Laos’ Attapeu province.
The ASEAN Secretary General extended his sympathies to people who had to leave their home and suffered losses due to the incident. He also handed over some relief items to the head of Sanamxay district.
During the visit, Lim expressed his appreciation for the support of other ASEAN members and dialogue partners for Laos. He stressed the important role of all stakeholders, particularly the private sector in helping assist those in need.
The SK Engineering and Construction (SK E&C) of the Republic of Korea will build three houses as temporary shelters in Sanamxay and a food storehouse, according to the Lao News Agency (KPL).
Rescue operations are underway in the district to search for missing people.
SK E&C is a partner in the Sepien-Senamnoi Power Company (PNPC) which is constructing the Sepien-Senamnoi hydroelectric power plant. The other partners are Korea Western Power (KOWEPO), Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding (RATCH) and Lao Holding State Enterprise (LHSE).
Construction of the project, which is estimated to cost 1.02 billion USD, began in February 2013 and commercial operations were expected to begin this year.
The Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam collapsed at 8:00pm on July 23, causing flash floods which completely isolated Sanamxay district.
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said at a press conference on July 25 that the dam break ravaged 13 villages and affected six others.
He told reporters that 587 families with 3,060 people were made homeless, while 131 people were reported missing.
Lao authorities confirmed that no Vietnamese citizens were reported missing after the disaster. Some 15 households of Vietnamese citizens living in flooded area were evacuated to safety. -VNA
