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Mekong River Commission Closely Monitors Attapeu Flooding Situation

By
Laotian Times
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Vientiane, Laos, 25 July 2018 – The Mekong River Commission is monitoring closely the situation unfolding since 24 July on the flooding in Attapeu in southern Laos due to the incident with the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Hydropower Project.

According to a notification document by the Lao government sent to the MRC, the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy project is located on the Xe-Pian and Xe-Namnoy Rivers in Champasak (Districts of Paksong, Pathoumphone and Champsack) and Attapeu (Districts of Samakhixay and Sanamxay). The project consists of two major dams – Xe-Pian and Xe-Namnoy – and five saddle dams (smaller auxiliary dams). The Xe-Pian Dam (48 meters high) is a concrete-gravity and earth fill dam, while the Xe-Namnoy (77 meter high) is a clay-core and rock-fill dam.

It was reported by Lao state media that, on 23 July, one of the saddle dams failed and unleashed flash flooding into the Xe-Pian river affecting the six villages of Sanamxay District including Yai Thae, Hinlad, Mai, Thasengchan, Tha Hin, and Samong. Hinlad and Mai villages were the hardest hit.

“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,” MRC Chief Executive Officer Pham Tuan Phan said.

The Xe-Pian River (and Xe-Namnoy River) flow into the Xekong River, a major tributary of the Mekong. The distance from the dam to the confluence of the Xekong and Mekong is about 283 km. Located right below the confluence is Stung Treng in Cambodia with Kratie about 124 km further down.

According to the MRC monitoring station in Siem Pang District (Stung Treng in Cambodia) on the Xekong River, the observed water level recorded automatically in 15-min intervals, the water level increased by approximately 3 meters from 4pm of 23 July 2018 till 2pm today. At 4pm on 23 July, the water level at Siem Pang was observed at 8.4m and today, it was observed at 11.4m (at 2:30pm). Siem Pang is about 187km downstream of the dam and 96km upstream of the Xekong – Mekong confluence. This is close to the alarm level of 11.5m.

In the next few days, we expect that the flood water from Xekong together with the flow from the Mekong upstream will cause rising water levels further downstream including in Stung Treng and Kratie. Currently (2.30pm today), the water levels in Stung Treng and Kratie are 9.68m and 19.97m respectively. Alarm levels are NOT expected to be reached within the next few days. The alarm levels in Stung Treng are 10.7m and Kratie is 22.0m.

For updated forecast water levels from MRC, see the daily bulletin.

The Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company (PNPC) is a Korean-Thai-Lao joint investment, with 26% from SK Engineering & Construction, 25% Korea Western Power Company, 25% Ratchaburi Electricity Holding, and 24% Lao Holding State Enterprise.

The project, which is estimated to cost US$1.02 billion, is the first build-operate-transfer (BOT) project to be undertaken by South Korean companies in Laos. In addition to electricity generation, the project will also provide irrigation, with 6km channels connected to the powerhouse.

The Lao government notified MRC in September 2013 in accordance with the notification mechanism under the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA). Notified projects on Mekong tributaries are not required to undergo MRC’s prior consultation process, including assessments. Projects on tributaries follow national laws and regulations.

Source: Mekong River Commission

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Le Thi Huong Lien
Communication Officer 
E-mail: huonglien@mrcmekong.org
Phone: +856-21-263263, ext. 4704

How to Donate to the Attapeu Flood Victims

By
Laotian Times
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how to donate to attapeu flood and dam victims

While news of the Xe-Pian dam overflow has been slow to emerge, social media has been bombarded by photos, videos, and news clips of victims.

Attapeu provincial authorities confirmed that the Xe-Pian Dam breached its banks on Monday, leading to millions of tons of water inundating the local area, and causing widespread damage.

Hundreds are missing and thousands of families have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Flood victims have taken refuge in makeshift disaster relief centers set up by both Attapeu provincial authorities. Former inhabitants of the villages of Mai and Tahin have gathered in the Attapeu Provincial Office.

Others have sought shelter in nearby schools and fields.

All current assistance is being coordinated by the Lao government and the military, and the area has been restricted to all other visitors.

Bridges allowing land transport to Sanamxai are flooded, and donations are reaching the victims by boat.

Members of the public have been encouraged to donate to the cause and ensure the victims receive much needed relief, including food, clothing, towels and blankets, shoes, and sanitary products.

Below is a list of reliable options for making a donation either domestically or from abroad:

1. Vientiane Rescue
The famed Vientiane Rescue team, who recently provided assistance to the Thai soccer team lost in a cave, are helping rescue and provide for the Attapeu flood victims. To make a donation please visit the Vientiane Rescue website here.

2. BCEL One Heart
The BCEL One e-banking application now allows for direct donations via the One Heart icon in the app menu. A form of charitable crowdfunding, One Heart has set a target for 2 billion kip (approximately US$238,000) All funds will be reliably disbursed to the cause. 

3.  The European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR (ECCIL)
The ECCIL is a registered chamber of commerce operating in the Lao PDR. It has pledged its support for the flood victims and is accepting donations at the following bank account:

Bank: Banque Franco-Lao Limited
Account number: 001000085711010028
Account name: European Chamber of Commerce in Lao
SWIFT CODE: BFLLLALA

 

UPDATE: Status and Condition of Attapeu Flood Victims

By
Laotian Times
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Images have popped up on Lao social media depicting the current plight of many of the Attapeu flood victims who have taken refuge in makeshift disaster relief centers set up by both Attapeu provincial authorities. Former inhabitants of the villages of Mai and Tahin have gathered in the Attapeu Provincial Office.

Others have sought shelter in nearby schools and fields.

The images show many in desperate need of medical attention. Many are still unaccounted for.

According to a social media post by a volunteer from the Vientiane Rescue 1623 team, many have sought refuge in the Dao Heuang warehouse in Paksong, an area which some sources say has also been impacted by the flooding. The pictures show children and elderly disaster victims eating a meager meal of dried instant noodles.

On a positive note, the nation has joined together to make monetary donations to help those in need through BCEL’s One Heart Initiative. A form of charitable crowdfunding, One Heart has set a target for 2 billion kip (approximately US$238,000) and at the time of this article’s writing, the current sum is a little over halfway at 1.05 billion kip from over 9,200 people.

Members of the public, especially those with the BCEL One app, are urged to donate to this worthy cause.

Photo credit: Mahason Magazine

Prime Minister Travels to Attapeu to Monitor Rescue and Relief Efforts

By
Laotian Times
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After suspending the planned monthly government meetings set for 23-24 July, Prime Minister Thongloun led select Cabinet members and other senior officials to Sanamxay District in Attepeu to monitor rescue and relief efforts being made for the disaster victims.

The Prime Minister is seen in these images to have traveled to the southern province of Attapeu in a military helicopter escorted by military personnel and central and provincial officials.

The government has entrusted the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and Attapeu provincial authorities to urgently create a special task force committee to mobilize relief supplies from all sectors to help the flood victims.

Photo credit: Tholakhong, Support Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

Xe-Pian Dam Bursts its Banks Causing Catastrophic Damage

By
Laotian Times
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xe-namnoy-dam-confirmed-burst-its-banks
Attapeu Dam Collapse Survivors Set To Receive Final Compensation
Attapeu provincial authorities have confirmed that the Xe-Pian Dam burst its banks yesterday, leading millions of tons of water to inundate the local area, and causing widespread damage.
 
A letter of warning was sent on 23 July by the Head of the Resettlement Office of Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company, announcing that a part of its dam was likely to breech its banks, which would cause over five million tons of water to flow downstream.
 
Now authorities have stated that there was an incident at the dam construction site at Xe Pian Xe Nam Noy, causing water to flow rapidly down to the villages in Sanamxay District, Attapeu.
 
The situation has now been elevated to National Crisis level by the Lao Government. Soldiers, police and other rescue workers have arrived on scene to assist but massive damage has already been done to lives and property.
 
Despite state efforts, damage has been catastrophic.
 
Hundreds of people are missing with several lives already confirmed lost. Over 1300 families totalling 6600 people are without homes and are in desperate need of assistance.
 
The government is urging everyone to help in any way they can especially by donating clothes, food, water and cash.

Villagers Evacuated As Xe-Pian Dam Set to Burst its Banks

By
Laotian Times
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xe namnoy dam ບurst its banks

The Head of the Resettlement Office of Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company has announced that part of its dam is likely to break its banks, which could cause over five million tons of water to flow downstream.

A signed letter from Mr Lee Kang Yeol Head of the Resettlement Office of Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company has been spread around social media in Laos.

The letter states that Saddle Dam D is in a “very dangerous condition” due to heavy rainfall in the Paksong River Project area. Water has already overflowed over the dam crest, according to the letter.

The letter goes on to inform authorities that nearby villages must be evacuated to high elevation areas, and that the company will do its best to assist with evacuation efforts.

Villagers are now being evacuated, while water levels continue to rise as heavy rainfall looks to continue over the next few days.

Photo: PNPC

Top Promo Videos of Visit Laos Year 2018

By
Laotian Times
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Visit Laos 2018 is picking up steam as the country, aided by several international donors and freelance Laos-loving videographers and marketers, advertises to the world what it has to offer.

One way that Laos is attracting visitors is through the use of video marketing. While it would be next to impossible to do justice to one of the top destinations in Asia with a few minutes of reel, these following videos do their jobs by teasing the viewer just enough so that tourists are scrambling to get on the next flight to Laos!

1. Visit Laos Year 2018 – Warmly Welcome

2. Alexandra’s Pathet Lao Suay Ngam Tair Tair (ປະເທດລາວສວຍງາມແທ້ໆ)

3. Alexandra’s Simply Beautiful

4. Cedric JB’s Together We Thrive Cinematic Travel Film

5. Nam Kat Yor La Pa’s Official Promo Video

6. Lytchee TV‘s Travel in Laos

Miss Universe Laos 2018 Selected Without Contest

By
Laotian Times
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Miss Universe Laos 2018

The Miss Universe Laos Organization has officially announced its selection and appointment of On-anong Homsombath to represent Laos in the Miss Universe 2018 competition.

Miss On-anong was suddenly announced as the Miss Universe Laos representative today in a move that surprised many of the competition’s closest followers, who expressed concern at the lack of any contest to decide the winner.

The organizer, TVLAO HD, announced the appointment on its Facebook page, saying, “On-anong Homsombath, first runner up Miss Universe Laos 2017, age 23, height 171cm, graduated from Kaposvar University, Hungary 2017, majoring in International relations. She worked at the Mekong River Commission.”

Miss Universe Laos 2018 full shot

The 23-year-old was described as having a unique and outstanding beauty, language competency, elegance, and understanding of Lao culture, which made her deserving of representing Lao women in the Miss Universe 2018 competition.

The competition has been fraught with controversy this year, with the sudden selection of this candidate coming directly after the very public resignation of Alexandra Bounxouei, a popular musician, as director of the contest. Ms Alexandra she cited a lack of preparedness and transparency as the reason for her resignation.

alexandra resigns from Miss Universe

 

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