EXCLUSIVE Deadly dam failure was natural disaster: Laotian envoy
Dogs take refuge on a rooftop above flood waters from a dam failure in the Attapeu district of southeastern Laos, Tuesday, July 24, 2018. AP-Yonhap
By Oh Young-jin
Laotian Ambassador to Korea Khamsouay Keodalavo says the deadly dam accident in his country should be seen as a natural disaster and not one caused by human error.
“Earth on the dam had been washed away as the result of two months of intense rain,” the ambassador told The Korea Times, Wednesday. “So collapse is not the right word for it.”
He meant to stress that it was not a result of human incompetency.
“We don't want to punish SK or any of four members of the consortium (that were responsible for the dam's construction),” he said.
He said his opinion was the same as that of his prime minister, who said in a news conference that it was the worst disaster in Laotian history. He thanked the international community, including South Korea, for offering assistance.
Laotian Ambassador to Korea Khamsouay Keodalavo
The dam, one of five under construction in the Xepian Xe Nam Noy project, failed Monday, sending torrents of water downstream that flooded several villages in the Sanamxay district.
According to reports, 26 people have been confirmed dead and more than 130 are missing.
The dam was being built by a consortium of SK Engineering and Construction (SK E&C), Korea Western Power (KOWEPO), Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding (RATCH) and Lao Holding State Enterprise (LHSE).
Meanwhile, SK said its immediate responsibility was to prevent further damage to people and property in the area.
“We trust that the Laotian government and relevant parties will get to the bottom of the disaster,” a SK E&C spokesman said.
“The dam in question was drawn up and constructed strictly to global standards for earth-fill dams. It was proven safe through a thorough evaluation.
“As far as we know, it was a near-natural disaster situation in which intensive rain upstream washed away the top part of dam. Of course, the exact cause will be determined by an investigation.”