IN PICS: Laos Flooded After Hydroelectric Dam Collapses, 17 Dead Bodies Recovered

The bodies of 17 people have been recovered after flash floods. AFP PHOTO / ATTAPEU TODAY

The South Korean partner in the hydropower project said that on Wednesday it discovered the upper part of the structure had washed away 24 hours before it collapsed. AFP PHOTO / ATTAPEU TODAY

Communist Laos is criss-crossed by a vast network of rivers and scores of dams are being built or planned in the impoverished and landlocked country, which exports most of its hydropower energy to neighbouring countries like Thailand. AFP PHOTO / ATTAPEU TODAY

The remote area is only accessible by helicopter and flat-bottomed boats, with roads badly damaged by the flash flooding or completely washed away. AFP PHOTO / ATTAPEU TODAY

NEW DELHI: Flash floods were caused by a dam breach in southern Laos on Tuesday. AFP PHOTO / ATTAPEU TODAY