Vietnam expresses sympathy with Laos over losses in dam collapse

The Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam collapses on July 23, causing flash flooding in ten villages in lower areas and completely isolated Sanamxay district in Attapeu province - Photo: Attapeu Today

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and President Tran Dai Quang on July 24 sent messages of sympathy to General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc cabled a message of sympathy to his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, while Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also sent a similar message to Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.

The same day, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc had a phone call to his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, affirming that the Party, State and people of Vietnam are willing to assist the Lao people to overcome the aftermath of the incident.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked Vietnamese representatives agencies in Laos to follow the situation and coordinate closely with local relevant agencies to update information about Vietnamese citizens and overseas Vietnamese in the affected area and stand ready to take measures to help those in need.

In case of emergency, it is recommended to contact the hotline for citizen protection in Laos 008562096106775 or in Vietnam 0084981848484.