Flooded River in Dong Nai Causes Landslides, Threatening Homes

Landslides along the Siệp River in Đồng Nai province, southern Vietnam, have worsened due to unseasonal heavy rains, posing a threat to residents. The river has a history of fatal incidents, including a car being swept away. Recent early monsoon downpours have caused significant landslides along the Siệp River, which straddles the border between Đồng Nai province's Biên Hòa city and Ho Chi Minh City. Particularly in sections exceeding 250 meters where embankment construction is incomplete, the soil has been deeply eroded, endangering nearby homes. Local residents report that during heavy rains, water from upstream concentrates in these undeveloped sections, creating strong currents that erode both banks and damage local roads. Local authorities have installed warning signs, advising residents to avoid the area when water levels rise. However, a local bridge connecting to residential areas was washed away by floodwaters approximately two weeks ago. Mr. Hùng, a local resident, stated, "Even with landslides before, the bridge was still passable, but the heavy rains earlier this month washed away sections of concrete into the river." The strong currents have also exposed the foundations of utility poles along the river, creating a risk of collapse. Furthermore, a resident was forced to evacuate their home along with their belongings after the river's flow deeply eroded the foundation. The road alongside the river has also been eroded, forming overhangs and increasing the risk of further landslides. Residents attest that during heavy rains, the water flow in this area becomes extremely swift. Additionally, the riverside road is already damaged, and the daily passage of numerous heavy trucks and dump trucks is causing further subsidence and cracking of the soil near the riverbank. This area has seen tragic incidents before. Two years ago, a car crossing the Siệp River was swept away by floodwaters, resulting in the death of a 44-year-old woman. In sections where renovation work is incomplete, the river narrows, and the flow is constricted in many places. During heavy rains, water cannot drain quickly enough, leading to flooding in surrounding areas. Several local bridges cross these undeveloped sections of the river, connecting the Suối Siệp road to residential areas. During heavy rains, as water levels rise and currents become swift, these crossings become dangerous. In the landslide-prone areas, local authorities have placed concrete barriers and erected ropes across about one-third of the road to warn people and vehicles of the danger. According to the Biên Hòa City People's Committee, the affected landslide section is part of the Siệp River renovation project managed by the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Infrastructure Investment Project Management Board (formerly under Bình Dương province). The project commenced in 2016 but has faced prolonged construction. In 2025, the drainage culvert crossing National Highway 1K and the site of the previous car-sweeping incident are scheduled for recommencement and have now been completed.