Central Vietnam Road Cut Off by Landslide After Heavy Rain

A massive landslide occurred on National Highway 28 in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on September 23, severing the vital route connecting the coastal city of Phan Thiet and the popular tourist destination of Da Lat. Heavy rains caused large volumes of soil and rocks to cascade down from the hillside, covering the road and threatening the stability of the opposite slope. The affected section is located on Gia Bac Pass (Đèo Gia Bắc), an area characterized by steep mountainous terrain with high cliffs on one side and deep valleys on the other. This segment has been undergoing landslide mitigation work since the 2025 rainy season. Due to the immense volume of debris and continuous rainfall, immediate clearing and repair operations are not feasible. Son Dien Commune authorities have dispatched personnel to the site to assess the situation, erect warning signs at both ends of the hazardous zone, and guide motorists to alternative routes. The Lam Dong Provincial Police have also been notified to assist with traffic management and prevent vehicles from entering the affected area. Gia Bac Pass has a history of severe landslides. In the 2025 rainy season alone, 63 landslides of varying scales were recorded, frequently disrupting traffic on National Highway 28. In November 2025, Lam Dong province had to declare a state of emergency due to natural disasters in this region. Earlier this year, the province initiated an emergency project costing VND 70 billion (approximately USD 2.8 million) to address landslides on the pass. Eleven critically unstable locations were identified for solutions including slope excavation, realignment of the road centerline, construction of retaining walls, and slope reinforcement. The project was slated for completion by the end of November. However, even in May, heavy rains during ongoing construction caused further debris to obstruct the road, forcing authorities to temporarily halt traffic for safety reasons. National Highway 28 spans over 300 km, historically connecting Binh Thuan, Lam Dong, and Dak Nong provinces, linking Phan Thiet through Di Linh and Gia Nghia to Cu Jut. The Gia Nghia - Di Linh section, over 100 km long, is a crucial east-west axis for the new Lam Dong province, connecting the South Central Highlands with coastal transport networks. Source: VnExpress