Heavy Rains Cause Landslides on National Highway 28B in Lam Dong

Multiple landslides have occurred on National Highway 28B in Lam Dong province, located in Vietnam's Central Highlands, due to prolonged heavy rainfall, causing significant disruptions to traffic. According to Mai Hồng Đăng, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phan Sơn commune, two landslide sites have been confirmed on National Highway 28B, with four other locations identified as having a high risk of further slides. Soil and rocks have cascaded onto the road, particularly near the Đại Ninh Pass and its foothills, making vehicle movement difficult. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage have been reported. Local authorities, in coordination with traffic police, have deployed warning signs, managed traffic flow, and are clearing the debris to ensure safe passage. They will continue to monitor weather conditions, especially prolonged rainfall, to issue timely warnings and implement response measures. Additionally, on the same morning, red sand from hillsides flowed onto DT715 road in Hàm Thuận commune, covering the road surface for tens of meters, with some areas experiencing thick accumulations. This has hampered vehicle traffic, with some cars getting stuck in the sand and motorcycles skidding and falling. DT715 is a vital route connecting National Highway 1 at the Tà Zôn mountain intersection to Mũi Né and Bàu Trắng, experiencing heavy traffic. A local transport unit mobilized excavators and dump trucks early in the morning to clear the sand and restore the road surface. Functional agencies are continuously monitoring potential landslide-prone areas, proactively issuing warnings, and undertaking mitigation efforts to guarantee traffic safety. In recent days, the southern region, including Lam Dong, has experienced heavy rains influenced by a low-pressure system. The province is forecast to continue receiving moderate to heavy rainfall over the next two days, with some areas experiencing very heavy downpours, ranging from 50-110 mm, and locally exceeding 180 mm. Prolonged rain increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods, and landslides in steep terrain and areas with weak soil foundations.