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At Least 26 People Dead, Hundreds Missing After Laos Dam Collapses

The dam collapse caused flash floods in six southern Laos villages, washing away many homes.

At Least 26 People Dead, Hundreds Missing After Laos Dam Collapses
Laos News Agency
SMS

At least 26 people are dead and hundreds are missing after a dam collapsed in Laos on Monday.

State-run media reports the collapse caused flash floods in six southern Laos villages, washing away many homes. More than 6,000 people are now homeless. 

Officials reportedly brought in boats to help with the evacuations, and relief efforts are underway. 

The hydropower dam was under construction, and operations were expected to begin this year. The project was estimated to cost more than $1 billion. 

The company building the dam told Reuters that heavy rains and flooding caused the collapse

Local authorities have asked people to help provide emergency aid for the victims of the disaster.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.