Hundreds Missing after Laos Dam Collapses

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Hundreds of people are missing after a hydroelectric dam broke in southern Laos, the state news has reported.

Five billion cubic metres of water swept through the surrounding countryside after the accident at the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam, which is still under construction.
The dam collapsed at 8pm on Monday. The neighbouring villages of Yai Thae, Hinlad, Mai, Thasengchan, Tha Hin, and Samong bore the brunt of flooding, which has reportedly destroyed thousands of homes.

Officials brought in boats to try to evacuate victims who were left stranded by the water. Aerial footage of the area shows the whole region under muddy water, with only roofs and the tops of trees visible.

Several people have been confirmed dead, and more than 6,600 made homeless, the official news agency KPL reported.
Communist Laos, one of Asia’s poorest and most secretive countries, is land-locked and aims to become the “battery of Asia” by selling power to its neighbours through a series of hydropower dams.
 
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