Vietnamese missing in Lao landslide found dead

Duong Cong Long, 35, went missing following a landslide on National Highway 8, which connects Laos’ Bolikhamsai Province with Vietnam’s Ha Tinh Province, on August 3, the Laotian Times reported.

According to the Office of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Khounkham District, the landslide that buried Long happened in the district, which is in Khammouane Province.

Lao authorities said Long’s body could only be accessed after excavators cleaned up debris at the site. There has been no confirmation from the Lao government on whether Long would be repatriated to Vietnam or if any funeral would be held.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains happened along the national highway in Laos on August 3, stranding several vehicles. More than 70 people, including 45 Vietnamese, were stuck in the area, reported the Governor of Khounkham District Keovilay Xayabouth.

All the stranded Vietnamese were rescued on August 6, save for Long.