Lao authorities have asked the Japanese government for budget help in repairing and maintaining the Wat Phou World Heritage site because of rapid erosions of the area caused by flash floodings.
A Lao official says the Japanese government has responded to the request by providing Laos $1.8 million. He told VOA part of the money will be used to build a drainage system on the mountain overlooking Wat Phou to divert flash floods caused by torrential rains during the rainy season.