Vietnam: Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides, Block Key Road to Mui Ne Tourist Hub

On September 23rd, a landslide caused by heavy rainfall blocked Nguyen Thong Street, a key gateway to the popular resort town of Mui Ne in central Vietnam, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The road, which connects the center of Phan Thiet city with Mui Ne, was covered in red soil, making it treacherous for motorists. Following the downpour, large volumes of red soil and water flowed from the hillsides adjacent to Nguyen Thong Street in Phu Thuy Ward, accumulating to form a thick, slippery layer on the road surface. While some of the water and soil drained into the sea, a substantial amount remained, creating muddy conditions. Numerous motorcycles lost traction, with several riders falling and their belongings getting soaked and covered in mud. Local residents described the situation as dangerous, particularly for those with less experience in handling motorcycles. "People commuting from Mui Ne," said Vo Duc, a resident living near the area, "if their steering is weak, they are very likely to fall." Authorities from Phu Thuy Ward dispatched personnel to the scene to set up warnings and assist residents navigating the hazardous section. Once the water receded, heavy machinery was deployed to clear the accumulated soil from the road, restoring traffic flow. This issue of soil and debris washing down onto Nguyen Thong Street after heavy rains has been a recurring problem. In September 2024, the area experienced several "mudflows," with one incident where a 20-year-old woman was swept about 200 meters by the rushing water and subsequently rescued by locals. In an effort to mitigate such occurrences, a drainage system, over 2 kilometers long, was completed in September 2024. This system is designed to collect rainwater from the hills and channel it under Nguyen Thong Street to the sea, aiming to prevent soil from inundating the residential areas and the road below. The project, initiated in 2010, faced significant delays due to land acquisition issues. Despite the completion of this infrastructure, the recurrence of red soil flooding the road raises questions about its effectiveness. The landslides are part of broader damage caused by continuous heavy rains across Lam Dong Province. Since September 22nd, various parts of the province have experienced intense rainfall, with one location recording 172 mm. While no fatalities have been reported, 59 houses have been damaged, forcing many residents to evacuate. Approximately 1,054 hectares of crops, primarily dragon fruit, rice, and perennial plants, have been submerged. Several roads and local bridges have also been affected by flooding and landslides. In Quang Khe Commune, three local bridges were affected; soil and rocks slid down Prenn Pass, Dai Ninh, Gia Bac, and several other transportation routes. Forecasters predict moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated very heavy downpours, over the next two days in Lam Dong Province, ranging from 50-110 mm and potentially exceeding 180 mm in some areas. The prolonged heavy rain increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods, and landslides in steep terrain with unstable soil conditions. Source: VnExpress