Sulphuric acid accident

Concern for the Mekong, the lifeline of Southeast Asia

The Mekong, the lifeline of Southeast Asia and one of the longest rivers in the world(Bild: AFP)

Following an accident involving sulphuric acid, there are now concerns about the mighty Mekong River between Laos and Thailand, the lifeline of Southeast Asia. The corrosive liquid flowed into the Nam Khan River, which flows into the Mekong, one of the longest rivers in the world.

The accident occurred after a truck carrying 30 tons of sulphuric acid overturned in the famous Laotian tourist resort of Luang Prabang. So far, the water readings in the border area are not alarming, although the accident occurred last Wednesday, wrote the Bangkok Post newspaper, citing the government.

The authorities of both countries had decided to release water from the Xayaburi dam in Laos in order to dilute the sulphuric acid and mitigate the effects downstream towards Thailand, it said. Nevertheless, there was great concern, as the well-known Songkran water festival, the traditional New Year festival according to the lunar calendar, will take place in Thailand this coming weekend. This involves days of exuberant water fights - including with water from rivers. Laos also celebrates the New Year as a water festival. The festivities attract many tourists from all over the world.