Floodwaters from the dam collapse in southern Laos have hit Stung Treng province in Cambodia, causing the evacuation of over 5,000 people.
The Cambodian Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology stated that floodwaters from the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy dam in Laos have directly affected parts of Stung Treng, which had already been inundated after heavy rains.
Authorities in Stung Treng initially planned to evacuate only 557 families, however the number rose to 1,289 families in communities along the Sekong River after water levels rose to dangerous levels following the dam collapse in Laos.
The water level in the river is now at 11.5 meters.
Soldiers were released from border areas to assist with transporting evacuees.
The Mekong River Commission, which is closely monitoring the situation, stated yesterday that the Lao dam collapse was a great tragedy and has offered its support.
“We express condolences for this national tragedy in Lao PDR. We stand ready to visit the site as well as to provide appropriate support in this time of need,” said MRC Chief Executive Officer Pham Tuan Phan.
Source: Khmer Times, MRC
