Australian aid flown to Laos after dam bust
The Australian Government is providing humanitarian assistance to support the Government of Lao PDR to respond to the collapse of a dam in Attapeu Province.
CAPTION: Laos Army personnel unload Australian Humanitarian Aid pallets that have been delivered to Pakse International Airport by a No. 36 Squadron C-17A Globemaster. Photo by Corporal Colin Dadd.
The Xepian-Xe Nam Noy dam in southern Laos overflowed in the early evening of 23 July, resulting in flash flooding.
More than 3000 people have been displaced and 130 people remain missing.
Lao authorities are rescuing victims and moving affected people to safer areas.
Minister for Defence Marise Payne said that following a request for assistance from the Government of Lao PDR, Australia was providing $800,000 of emergency relief supplies.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Laos affected by this tragedy,” Minister Payne said.
“Our assistance includes tents, water containers and hygiene kits, which will be delivered by Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft, in partnership with UN agencies.
“A DFAT Crisis Response Team will also be deployed to Laos support coordination of assistance and recovery efforts.
“Australia is working closely with the Government of Lao PDR and is ready to provide further assistance if required.
“Australia and Lao PDR have a long and close friendship built over 66 years of unbroken diplomatic ties.
“Our relationship is underpinned by close people-to-people links, strong business ties and a development cooperation program of around $42 million a year.”
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