Thirteen villages were flooded and destroyed in Attapeu province. The dam that broke July 23 was part of the Xe Pian Xe Namnoy hydropower complex. The water moved with such force that it caused the evacuation of a town more than 100 kilometers away in Cambodia. Lieutenant Colonel Khamsouk Khamleuangthep led the rescue team that saved Inthavong’s family and more than 1,500 other people. The officer said, “I am really upset about this and I’ve been working from the beginning until now without stopping and I’m very happy to be helping the people.” There are more than 6,500 survivors in shelters at five rescue bases, the local government says. In total, officials say 7,095 people have been displaced in Laos. State media report 35 dead and 99 missing.
