Unusual, torrential heavy rain poses landslide risks in Lam Dong

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) has dispatched a working delegation comprising experienced experts in engineering geology, landslides, and hydrometeorology to conduct field surveys and provide timely support to Lam Dong province.

Prof. Tran Hong Thai, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said the Academy has recently dispatched a working delegation to support the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee in surveying, assessing the extent of damage, identifying the causes, and proposing scientifically grounded and sustainable solutions for future storm and flood prevention and mitigation.

The working delegation, comprising experts experienced in engineering geology, landslides, and hydrometeorology, will focus on surveying and evaluating the situation, scope, and severity of landslides in seriously affected areas, particularly at key mountain passes along the province’s arterial transport routes such as Prenn, Mimosa Pass, D’Ran Pass, and Khanh Le Pass.

The experts will also identify geological, topographical, hydrological, and potential man-made factors that may have caused the recent landslides. At the same time, they will propose scientific and technological solutions, including both structural and non-structural measures (such as hazard zoning maps, monitoring systems, and early-warning systems), to remediate landslides and disruptions along the Mimosa, Prenn, D’Ran, and Khanh Le routes.

VAST has requested that the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee create favorable conditions and assign staff to assist with information, data, and local guidance so that the working delegation can complete its mission as quickly and effectively as possible.

Recently, prolonged heavy rain and floods from 17 to 23 November affected thousands of households, and numerous transport works suffered landslides. Total damage caused by natural disasters in Lam Dong province is estimated at more than VND 1,000 billion. Particularly, the province recorded five fatalities and one injury; 2,784 households were affected, with damage to houses, including 76 dwellings that collapsed or were washed away; 4,457 ha of plants, mainly crops, were damaged; and over 9,000 heads of livestock and poultry were swept away.

Heavy rain and floods caused landslides and flooding at over 180 sites on the province's internal transport routes. Several locations experienced large-scale landslides, including Prenn Pass, Mimosa Pass, and National Highway 27C, causing prolonged disruptions to the province's arterial traffic.

On 24 November, the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment, together with geological experts from VAST, conducted a field survey at Lac Thien 2 village (D’Ran commune). The survey recorded many long fissures on hills, including Trang Bang, Ba La Xanh, and the Duong Moi area, where prolonged heavy rain has undermined geological stability.

Deputy Director Nguyen Xuan Hien of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting commented, "Flash-flood and landslide warning work is facing many challenges because these phenomena occur rapidly and locally and are difficult to predict accurately. At times we have to issue warnings for more than 1,000 communes, but in reality only a few communes experience flash floods or landslides."

According to the experts, unusual and prolonged heavy rain is destabilizing many sloped and hilly areas, posing the risk of landslides at any time. Specialized agencies have advised local governments to closely monitor existing cracked points, strengthen monitoring, and continue relocating residents from dangerous zones to ensure the safety of lives and property.

VAST has requested that the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee provide support in terms of personnel, data, and local guidance so that the working delegation can complete its mission quickly and effectively. The survey process will be carried out urgently, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and information security.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology stated that a comprehensive report assessing the current state, identifying causes, and proposing sustainable response solutions will be finalized and submitted to the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee as soon as possible, aiming to support the locality in preventing landslides and minimizing future losses of life and property.

* USD 1 = VND 26,153 (Source: Vietcombank)