Riverbank erosion threatens dozens of households in Anh Son.
Thu - Phuc•October 5, 2023 16:32
(Baonghean.vn) - Following heavy rains, serious landslides occurred along the banks of the Lam River near Tri Le Bridge (Hamlet 1, Lang Son Commune, Anh Son District).
Clip: Thu - PhucOn the morning of October 5th, we were present at the landslide site along the Lam River section passing through Hamlet 1, Lang Son Commune (Anh Son District). Standing on the Tri Le Bridge and looking down, along this stretch of the river, the land has been completely eroded, encroaching deeply into people's houses. Photo: Hoai ThuAccording to local residents, on October 3rd and 4th, the Lam River's water level receded after days of high water, carrying thousands of cubic meters of soil and rocks down into the riverbed, creating a horrific landslide. The family of Mr. Nguyen Quang Linh (pictured) owned 700 square meters of land, but after two landslides, they now only have about 400 square meters left. Photo: Thanh PhucRocks and soil continue to collapse into the river through increasingly numerous cracks. Photo: Hoai ThuThe soil is weak, with deep cracks running along the gardens of 10 families. Photo: Hoai ThuThe landslide swept away many of the residents' outbuildings, such as chicken coops, agricultural tool storage sheds, and vegetable gardens… Photo: Thanh PhucThese 10 families were originally fishermen. In 1997, they gradually moved ashore, buying land from the commune to settle. Some families owned 700-800 square meters, while others owned 150-200 square meters. Now, after the landslide, the land owned by these families has shrunk, leaving only half or two-thirds of the area stated in their land ownership certificates. Photo: Hoai ThuMr. Nguyen Dinh Ca, head of Hamlet 1, Lang Son Commune, said: “Landslides have been happening for many years. Each year there's a little bit of erosion, but this time it's the most serious. The landslides have encroached close to people's houses, and if it rains heavily, it will be very dangerous. It threatens the lives and property of the people.” Photo: Thanh PhucPeople are currently very worried and anxious. Photo: Hoai ThuLooking up from the riverbed, the landslide has already risen to a height of several meters. Mr. Pham Van Bac, whose house is close to the landslide, said: “My family and many other households have been worried at night for the past few days about our houses collapsing and being swept away into the river, so we take turns guarding them and dare not sleep. The people's wish is for the authorities at all levels to pay attention and quickly find solutions to help the people, reinforce the riverbank, and prevent landslides.” Photo: Thanh PhucCurrently, the authorities of Lang Son commune and Anh Son district have cordoned off the area to warn people not to enter the landslide zone. Mr. Dang Ngoc Thien, Chairman of the People's Committee of Lang Son commune, said: “Following reports from residents, on October 3rd, the commune sent officials to assess the situation, compile damage statistics, and set up barriers to warn people not to engage in activities or production in the landslide-affected area to avoid danger. At the same time, we reported the situation to the district for remedial measures.” Photo: Hoai Thu
According to leaders of the Anh Son District People's Committee, preliminary assessments indicate that the landslide is 120 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 12 meters deep, with an estimated 15,000 cubic meters of soil eroded. Currently, the cracks are deepening, posing a very high risk of further landslides. This directly affects the property and lives of 10 households living in the area.
The People's Committee of the commune has inspected and worked with the Executive Committee of Hamlet 1 and the affected households, assigning specific responsibilities to enable households to proactively relocate their property and protect their lives in case of further landslides. At the same time, they have cordoned off and closed off the high-risk landslide area. Currently, Anh Son district has submitted a report to the Provincial People's Committee requesting funding and a plan for remediation as soon as possible.
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