FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Lao PM warns of unofficial news sources for flood disaster information

Lao PM warns of unofficial news sources for flood disaster information

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has warned members of the public to be aware and conscious about news and reports on the deadly flooding in southern Attapeu province to avoid misunderstanding.

People are suggested to follow news from Lao mainstream media outlets, which acquire information first-hand from officials authorised to provide the information.

The premier issued the warning in a press briefing in Vientiane last week after returning from the flooding in the province.

The warning came after misinformation and fake news have been seen posted online via social media as well as reported and broadcast by some foreign mainstream media outlets.

Photos of severe disasters which happened elsewhere and some time ago were also posted on social media pages as if they were pictures of Attapeu’s flooding.

Since the flash flood, caused by the fracture of Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydropower reservoir’s saddle dam D, lashed villages in Sanamxay district on Monday night (July 23), reports carried by social media and most foreign mainstream media have exaggerated the death toll and the number of missing victims.

So, members of the public should analyse content critically and assess its veracity.

In the press briefing, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to all sectors for extending sincere assistance to the rescue operation and relief effort.

On behalf of the Lao government and people, he extended heartfelt thanks to governments and peoples of friendly countries and international organisations for sharing sympathy, expressing the intention to and extending assistance and support for the search, rescue and relief effort.

“They have given physical and spiritual support to the victims to enable them to return to normal lives as soon as possible,” PM Thongloun said.

He called on Lao compatriots within the country and living abroad to extend assistance and support to help address and overcome the disaster.

“I am confident that the incident [disaster] will be overcome.  The situation will return to normalcy soon,” he said.

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