More than 1,300 families have reportedly been left homeless in the disaster.

According to reports, the number of deaths could rise further.

The accident happened at a hydropower dam in southeastern Attapeu province's Sanamxay district late Monday, releasing five billion cubic metres of water.  

Helicopters and boats have been deployed for survivors, district governor Bounhome Phommasane told the state-run Vientiane Times.

The $1.2 billion dam is part of a project by Vientiane-based Xe Pian Xe Namnoy Power Company, or PNPC, a joint venture formed in 2012.

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