(VNF) - On behalf of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, President Tran Van Tuy handed over VND 100 million (equivalent to more than USD 4,000) to Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane, on July 30, in order to help the neighbouring country overcome the aftermath of the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam.

President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, Tran Van Tuy (L) hands over donation to Ambassador of Laos to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane on July 30 in Hanoi. (Photo: PM)

Tuy extended his sympathies to Lao people who had to leave their home and suffered losses due to the incident. The donated cash is the initial support from the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association to aid the reconstruction effort of the Lao government and people, especially the people affected by the incident.

Lao Ambassador in Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane said that in the past few days, the Lao Government are focusing on overcoming the consequences of dam collapse, calling for emergency aid for the victims of the disaster, such as clothing, food items, drinking water, medicine, cash, and other relief items.

Of the support units, Vietnam is the earliest. The Ambassador stressed the timely assistance of the Military Region 5 of Vietnam shortly after receiving information about the dam break. In addition, the senior leaders of Vietnam regularly exchanged with senior leaders of Laos to update the situation in affected areas.

Expressing his gratitude to the towards the valuable and timely support from the Vietnamese Government and people, especially the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, Ambassador Thongsavanh hailed the special friendship and solidarity of Vietnamese people for Lao people. On behalf of the Lao Party, State and people, the diplomat expressed his sincere thanks, saying that the assistance will be sent to those in need as soon as possible.

Tuy voiced his hope and belief that, under the leadership of the Party, the Government of Laos and the Attapeu provincial authorities, people in the affected areas will quickly overcome the consequences of the incident and stabilise their lives.

According to Lao Ambassador, serious incidents caused massive floods which completely isolated six villages in the Sanamxay district of Attapeu province, ravaged 13 villages and affected six others. 587 families with 3,060 people were made homeless, while 131 people were reported missing.

Previously, on July 23, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association sent a message of condolence to the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, over the great human and asset losses caused by the dealy incident.

PROMTLY AID

Vietnamese forces deliver relief aid to victims of the dam collapse in Attapeu province, Laos. (Photo: VGP)

The Vietnamese Government has so far donated USD 200,000 sourced from State budget reserves and 100 tonnes of rice to the Lao Government in order to help the neighbouring country overcome the aftermath of the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam.

Vietnam’s diplomatic representative agencies in Laos, and associations of the Vietnamese Community in Laos also raised over USD 10,000 to assist the dam collapse victims.

The Ministry of Public Security’s representatives in Laos on July 30 handed over USD 50,000 to the Lao Ministry of Public Security to help the victims and the Attapeu police overcome consequences of the incident.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development handed over VND 300 million (USD 12,600) to the Lao Embassy in Hanoi.

Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union’s Central Committee, and the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) also donated USD 21,000 and USD 50,000, respectively, to the flooding victims.

On July 30, the VRCS sent a delegation to Attapeu to present relief supplies to the victims, and will continue to call for more donations from enterprises for the work.

Authorities from Ho Chi Minh City also planned to send a delegation to Attapeu from August 1-2 to present USD 100,000 in cash and relief supplies to the Lao locality.

As a locality sharing a border with Attapeu, the central province of Kon Tum donated VND 550 million (USD 23,770) in cash and VND 200 million (USD 8,644) worth of relief supplies to the dam collapse victims.

Thua Thien-Hue and Gia Lai provinces donated USD 10,000 and VND 400 million (USD 17,288) to the victims.

Star Telecom, a joint venture between Lao Asia Telecom and Vietnam’s Viettel Group, provided USD 35,700 in aid to victims via the Lao Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

At the same time, Hoang Anh Gia Lai offered 50 tonnes of rice; 100,000 packs of noodles; 5 tonnes of dried fish; 2,000 sets of clothes; as well as other relief supplies to victims. The Hoang Anh Gia Lai Medical University Hospital also sent its medical workers to Attapeu in order to provide free check-ups and medicine for locals.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade on July 30 raised funds to help Lao people affected the incident.

At present, there are many ministries, sectors, and localities active in fundraising for the relief work./.

Translated by Minh Chau