Thais join Laos rescue operation
Thai rescuers will join hands with their Lao counterparts in rescuing about 800 local villagers who are stranded on a mountain after escaping the big floods caused by the collapse of a dam in Attapeu province.
Although they escaped the floods, they are however marooned on the mountain as the floodwater has inundated the entire Sai Don Khong village.
The villagers are in urgent need of food, rice, water and medicine. It is reported that 15 people were missing during the evacuation.
The Isan Nua rescuers from Thailand travelled to Laos’ affected area through the Chong Mek pass in Ubon Ratchathani province. The Customs authority at Chong Mek is acting as a centre of assistance for Laotians suffered hardships due to the inundation in Laos.
Many groups of Thai rescuers have poured into Laos to help rescue large numbers of people affected by the flash floods following the collapse of a part of the under-construction Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy dam due to heavy rains.
The death toll as of now stands at 26.