Detailed developments of the Laos hydroelectric dam collapse
Rescuers are searching for survivors after a hydroelectric dam in Laos collapsed, flooding several villages and killing at least 20 people.
According to the BBC, at least 100 people are missing and thousands of people are homeless when the dam broke on July 23.
Authorities in Attapeu province used helicopters and boats to rescue trapped villagers.
The dam that collapsed was part of the Xe Pian Xe Namnoy hydropower project, which involves Lao, Thai and South Korean companies.
Local authorities have called on government agencies and the community to provide emergency assistance such as clothing, food, medicine and drinking water.
Video footage from the area near the dam break showed many survivors standing on flooded rooftops, or wading through water with their children and belongings.
The dam that collapsed was a secondary dam, known as “Dam D.” The dam is part of a network of two main dams and five secondary dams of the Xe Pian Xe Namnoy hydropower project. The project is 90 percent complete and is due to begin commercial operations next year.
SK Engineering and Construction, a South Korean company involved in the project, said the cracks were discovered on July 22, before the dam collapsed.
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| Photo: ABC Laos News |
9pm, 22 July: Dam partially damaged. Authorities alerted and villagers living near the dam began evacuating. A team was sent to repair the dam, but efforts were hampered by heavy rain. Rain also eroded many roads.
3am July 23: Water was released from one of the main dams (Xe Namnoy dam) to reduce water levels in the auxiliary dams.
12 noon, July 23: Provincial authorities ask villagers downstream to evacuate after receiving news that the dam may be further damaged.
6:00 p.m. July 23: Dam damage is more severe.
8:00 p.m., July 23: Dam break
1:30 a.m. July 24: A village near the auxiliary dam was flooded and 8 hours later, 7 villages were submerged.
