MANILA -- Malacañang on Friday extended its condolences to the government and people of Laos over the loss of many lives caused by the collapse of a dam there.
“We express our sincerest condolences to the government and people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic following the collapse of the hydroelectric power dam,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.
On July 23, the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydroelectric dam in Attapeu, Laos collapsed amid heavy monsoon rains, leaving 27 people dead and 131 others missing.
The floodwater reportedly washed away the homes of more than 6,600 residents in six villages in Attaeu.
“Our thoughts are with our Southeast Asian neighbor in these trying times and we pray for the immediate recovery of those who are still missing and unaccounted for,” Roque said.
He said the Philippine government is ready to extend “any humanitarian assistance in whatever way we can.”
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, all of the 10 Filipinos living near the affected area were safe.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has also extended the country’s sympathies to Laos.
“Our thoughts are with the government and people of Laos as they cope with this tragedy,” Cayetano said in a statement last Wednesday. (PNA)
