Geological exploration drilling at the subsidence point of National Highway 16
As of the afternoon of July 24, the subsidence point on National Highway 16 through Que Phong district continued to sink another 50cm, the measured subsidence level reached 5.3 meters.
The subsidence on National Highway 16, Km264+700 at Chuoi slope, Chau Kim commune, Que Phong district has not shown any signs of abating. As of the afternoon of July 24, the measured depth had reached 5.3 meters, 10 times greater than the first day of the incident (July 15).
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Mr. Nguyen Xuan Son - Head of Que Phong Traffic Management Department said that this area has weak ground, landslides have occurred in 2021 and 2023, however, this subsidence is the most severe, combined with the continuous rainy weather in recent days causing the soil and rock layers to sink deeper and deeper, with the risk of washing away a long stretch of road.
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Currently, the Department of Transport is conducting geological exploration drilling at the subsidence point of National Highway 16 to report to the Ministry of Transport. The measured data will be the basis for the specialized agency to implement long-term measures to fix this subsidence point. In the immediate future, there are two proposed options: building a viaduct or straightening National Highway 16 in another direction, not going through this area that often subsides and landslides.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Son - Head of Que Phong Traffic Management Department
It is worth mentioning that the temporary road opened to serve people's travel needs is showing signs of subsidence and damage after consecutive rains, and can only be passed by motorbikes; cars cannot pass.
Que Phong Traffic Management Department said that currently, the unit is coordinating to construct a new temporary road, about 13 meters away from the old temporary road towards the positive slope. This is a location with more solid ground, and through survey, there are no signs of subsidence or erosion. Putting this temporary road into use will facilitate the construction unit to carry out long-term road repairs, and people will also travel more conveniently.
Currently, Que Phong district is still banning traffic through the collapsed section on National Highway 16, requiring people participating in traffic to strictly comply with the orders and regulations of the checkpoints and the orders of traffic regulators. People follow the instructions of the Department of Transport, except in cases of force majeure (emergency patients) where functional forces must check and escort them through the collapsed section of road.
On July 23, Mr. Nguyen Van De - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee directly inspected the subsidence point on National Highway 16 and directed Que Phong district to continue to focus on controlling and ensuring safety at the subsidence location; and to have solutions to ensure the lives of people affected by the road closure. After the impact of the storm is over, the Department of Transport and local authorities are requested to coordinate to handle the situation so that motorbikes and cars under 5 tons can temporarily circulate.
