Official blasting and rock breaking at the landslide site on Nguoc Thanh Chuong mountain

Mr. Nguyen Bao Giang - Deputy Head of the Road Management Department II said that the landslide at Ru Nguoc has been preliminarily repaired and opened to traffic since the afternoon of October 31. However, due to prolonged rain, combined with the peeling of weathered rocks, this section has continuously experienced landslides and traffic jams.

Panoramic view of Ru Nguoc from above. Photo: Van Lang

“Although many measures were used to deal with the landslide on Nguoc hill, when climbing up to check, we discovered that many layers of weathered rock had separated into veins, mixed with soft soil and flowing water. Therefore, the blasting method was considered,” said Mr. Giang.

Also according to the representative of the Road Administration Department II, since the landslide on the night of October 30 until now, this point has had landslides again, causing traffic jams 4-5 times in a row. Initially, the construction unit used the method of letting the excavator gradually lower the slide down the mountain and then move it. But then, when it encountered a vertical rock slope, the machine could not go up, plus there were many orphaned rocks at the top of the mountain, just a strong shock would cause them to fall down, endangering the team of engineers and workers working below.

Workers and technicians prepare for blasting to prevent landslides. Photo: Van Lang

It is estimated that to process the weathered rock layers, engineers and workers must blast and destroy about 1,249 m.³rock, must use 1.7 quintals of explosives with a depth of 3m.

In addition, the unit will continue to carry out blasting on November 13 and 15, from 11am to 2pm. During the above time frame, when the functional unit carries outblastingIt is absolutely forbidden for people, fishermen to fish on the river, people to go to the forest, work on the mountain, livestock, other machinery and equipment and vehicles to participate in traffic to enter the prohibited area.

Arrange 1700kg of explosives at a depth of 3m to carry out the detonation. Photo: Van Lang

“The terrain of Ru Nguoc is quite complicated, there are still many hanging rocks. To ensure absolute safety for people and vehicles passing through here, we will thoroughly handle the cobblestones and boulders hanging on the roof of Ru Nguoc. After handling the hanging rocks, we will build a steel mesh fence around the road along Ru Nguoc to prevent falling rocks,” said Mr. Hoai.

The blasting and rock clearing process is expected to take 1 session. During this time, all traffic will be prohibited.

Authorities clean up and reopen the road after the mine was detonated. Photo: Van Lang

Mr. Trinh Xuan Nha - Chairman of Thanh Chuong District People's Committee added: "During the process of blasting rocks, Thanh Chuong District People's Committee assigned the District Police to coordinate with the Traffic Inspectorate of the Department of Road Management II to keep watch, prohibiting people and vehicles from passing. Hopefully, after blasting, this route will ensure safety for everyone."