25 Jul 2018

Laos power company warned before fatal dam burst

From Morning Report, 7:49 am on 25 July 2018

The power company which owns a dam in Laos that burst in Monsoon rains leaving several dead and hundreds missing, says it sent warning letters out a day before the dam collapsed. The PNPC power company reportedly warned workers the still under construction hydro-electric dam was in a "very dangerous condition" due to heavy rainfall. Villagers were also urged to evacuate to higher land to avoid "the unfortunate accident". At least 20 people have been killed, hundreds are missing and thousands are homeless. Our correspondent in nearby Thailand, Richard Ehrlich, talks to Philippa Tolley.