Pope sends condolences for victims of Laos dam collapse

By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis sent his condolences to the people of Laos on Tuesday, following the collapse of a hydroelectric dam in the southeast part of the country.

Hundreds of people are missing and feared dead after the dam collapsed in the San Sai district of Attapeu province on Tuesday, causing flash flooding that swept away homes. The disaster left more than 6,600 people homeless, according to the Lao News Agency.

‘Heartfelt solidarity’

In a telegramme signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis expressed his “heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this disaster.”

He prayed “especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of those injured and the consolation of all those who grieve the loss of their loved ones and who fear for the lives of those still missing.”

Pope Francis also offered his encouragement “to civil authorities and all those involved in the search and rescue as they assist the victims of this tragedy.”

The South Korean company building the dam told Reuters news agency that heavy rain and flooding caused the collapse.