Case of 4 bodies floating in the hydroelectric reservoir: Thong Thu commune will work with local authorities of Laos

On August 31, a leader of Thong Thu commune said that, regarding the 4 bodies discovered on the Hua Na hydroelectric reservoir, after the authorities completed the autopsy and took samples for later identification, the local authorities temporarily buried them. Because most of the bodies were badly decomposed, only 1 body was identified as female.

"The locality also determined that there are likely many other bodies floating on the lake, so it has directed forces to continue to inspect and screen the area," said the leader of Thong Thu commune. He added that because the bodies were believed to have foreign elements, the locality also sent a document to the Department of Foreign Affairs to ask for direction.

Hua Na hydroelectric reservoir. Photo: Tien Hung

According to the leader of Thong Thu commune, due to the impact of storm No. 5, the amount of water flowing upstream from rivers and streams to the area increased dramatically; in particular, Nam Sam Hydropower Plant (Laos) released floodwaters, causing an increase in the flow to the downstream of Chu River (Hua Na Hydropower Reservoir basin).

From August 26-29, 2025, in Thong Thu commune, 4 bodies were discovered drifting in the Hua Na Hydropower Reservoir. Among them, 1 body was in a wooden coffin with Lao characters. Currently, the People's Committee of Thong Thu commune has organized the burial of all 4 bodies according to regulations.

"According to information, in the Laos - Vietnam border area, near Thong Thu commune, flash floods have occurred in the cemetery areas of two villages, Tau village and Na Say village, Xam Tay district, Hua Phan province, Laos. According to assessment, there is a possibility that many more bodies have drifted to the Hua Na Hydropower Reservoir area," said the leader of Thong Thu commune.

In the face of the above situation, the People's Committee of Thong Thu commune proposed to organize a meeting with the authorities of Xam Tay district, Hua Phan province, to discuss and agree on a long-term solution to the above incident. Therefore, Thong Thu commune requested the Department of Foreign Affairs to consider, give opinions and guide the process and procedures for the People's Committee of Thong Thu commune to implement in accordance with regulations.

Hua Na Hydroelectric Reservoir is located in Thong Thu Commune, bordering Laos, with a water surface area of 21 ^km2 and a capacity of 569 million ^m3 (when the water level reaches 240m). This is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the North Central region.

Thong Thu commune was formed from two communes Dong Van and Thong Thu of Que Phong district (old). With more than 700 km ² , this is the commune with the largest area among 130 wards and communes in Nghe An . However, Thong Thu commune currently has only more than 8,000 people, mainly Thai people.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/vu-4-thi-the-troi-dat-o-long-ho-thuy-dien-xa-thong-thu-se-lam-viec-voi-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-cua-lao-10305616.html