<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';"></span><img alt="" src="https://kpl.gov.la/Media/Upload/News/Thumb/IMG-20180807-WA0079.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">(KPL) Relevant authorities are focusing on building, rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure in Attapeu province&rsquo; Sanamxay district, recently hit by a massive flash flood caused by a dam collapse.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">&ldquo;We will continue to build, reconstruct and rehabilitate roads, bridges and toilets for flood victims in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province, Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith Mr Saleumxay told a press conference held in Vientiane on Aug 7. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">Once relevant authorities are done with the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure in Sanamxay district to facilitate the access of health and rescue workers to affected areas so that the victims can be given help and food items, they will pursue with reconstructing houses for victims&rsquo; families.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">A committee has been formed to conduct an investigation into the cause of the dam tragedy. The committee will invite the countries of the shareholders of the Xe-Pian Xe-Nam Noy hydropower project to take part in the investigation, according to the foreign minister. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">The World Bank and other internationally recognised independent experts will also take part in the investigation.</span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">Days after the dam collapse, all dam construction projects and those on which memoranda of understanding had been signed in Attapeu and parts of the country have been suspended for standard inspection. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">One of five saddle dams of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower project collapsed on Jul 23 following continuous rainfalls. The collapse caused a flash flood in 13 villages in downstream areas. Six houses in Sanamxay district were completely destroyed. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;">As of the evening of Aug 6, 34 dead bodies had been recovered and 97 remained missing. </span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

KPL