133 Evacuated from Foothills of Cracked Mountain in Central Vietnam

In Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, 133 residents have been urgently evacuated due to deep cracks appearing on a mountainside. Around 2:30 PM on September 21, following reports from residents about deep fissures and falling trees on Mount Pơrlai, the Ga Ry Border Guard Post dispatched 25 officers and soldiers to coordinate with local forces for an inspection. Recognizing the imminent threat of landslides to the Co Tu ethnic community living on the mountain's slopes, all 40 households and their belongings were evacuated. Evacuated residents are temporarily housed in sturdy locations including the former Ga Ry Commune People's Committee headquarters, the commune's police station, local schools, and the border guard post's storm shelter. The unit also provided 200 kg of rice from its reserves to support the families and deployed a medical team to offer free check-ups, medication, and guidance on disease prevention in the temporary shelters. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Phúc Trường, Political Commissar of the Ga Ry Border Guard Post, stated that the cracks first appeared during heavy rains in early September and worsened significantly on the afternoon of September 21, with new fissures and an increased number of fallen trees. The affected area is located at an altitude of approximately 1,430-1,450 meters. Landslides are occurring in large patches beneath the surface layer of vegetation, forming irregular depressions that are not entirely visible from the surface. "Residents are likely to face prolonged temporary displacement, potentially until Tet (Lunar New Year). This is because the rainy season will continue, and the risk of landslides remains present, making it impossible for them to return to their old homes yet," Lieutenant Colonel Trường explained. To address the long-term housing needs of the displaced households, local authorities are implementing a new resettlement area project. Construction began 1.5 months ago, with current efforts focused on land leveling and hillside excavation to create plots for new homes. Within the area managed by the Ga Ry Border Guard Post, there are currently about 17 landslide-prone locations. The unit maintains a 24/7 standby force to monitor weather developments and ground subsidence at Mount Pơrlai and other high-risk areas to ensure timely responses. Source: VnExpress