No Impact on Cambodian Mekong River Water Despite Chemical Leak Incident in Laos

• Sommana Yan
• 10 April 2024
• Local News
• 1548 Views

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology assures the public that the recent chemical spill into the Nam Khan River, a tributary of the Mekong River in Laos, will not affect the water quality of the Mekong River in Cambodia. This affirmation comes in response to an announcement made by the ministry regarding the incident on 8 April 2024.

Following reports of a chemical leak into the Nam Khan River in Luang Prabang province, Laos, on 3 April 2024, the ministry conducted assessments to determine any potential impact on Cambodian waterways. It was determined that the Nam Khan River, located approximately 1,370km from the Cambodia-Laos border, poses no immediate threat to Cambodia’s Mekong River due to its considerable distance.

Moreover, the inspection conducted by the Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission and relevant professional institutions of Laos on 7 April 2024, confirmed that there was no adverse impact on the quality of the Nam Khan River and Mekong River water as a result of the chemical spill.

The chemical involved in the incident was identified as sulfuric acid, with an approximate volume of 30 tons. Fortunately, the spill did not contaminate the entire water body. Nevertheless, the ministry and the National Committee of the Mekong River of Cambodia remain vigilant, collaborating with stakeholders to monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure the protection of the environment and public health along the riverbanks. Should there be any indication of potential water quality issues in the Cambodian Mekong River, the ministry pledges to provide further updates.

• Energy and Environment