Over 6,600 people were left homeless after a Laos dam collapsed late on Monday. At least 20 people have been announced dead and hundreds remain missing due to a flash flood sweeping across seven villages at downstream. Villagers evacuated are seen gathering at a local contemporary shelter. /VCG Photo.

The collapsed hydroelectric dam was part of a hydroelectric power project with transnational cooperation involved. It was under construction in south-east Laos’ Attapeu province when fractured after continuous heavy rainstorm and flooding, according to the company responsible for the project. /VCG Photo.

A rescue operation is underway, but many feared dead. The government has not released the death-toll, as yet. Provincial authorities are in an attempt to provide emergency aid for rescued villagers, including clothes, food, drinking water and medicine. Laos’ Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has gone to the site, monitoring the follow-up relief efforts. /VCG Photo.

Sitting on the Mekong River, Laos was ambitious to become the “battery of Asia” with a series of dam-building projects launched. The dam was expected to generate power by the end of this year. /VCG Photo.