Landslide in Chau Tien (Quy Chau): Chau Thang Hydropower Plant does not deny responsibility

Commune officials came to inspect, measure and count the damage of households in Minh Tien village, Chau Tien commune. Photo: Hung Cuong

The landslide area is 800 meters long, 10 meters deep inland, affecting 22 households.

Mr. Nguyen Van Minh's house suffered a serious landslide with a total area of ​​180 square meters, with a long crack 0.5 meters from the foundation, and a high risk of the house collapsing. Mr. Phan Van Nham's house next door also suffered a landslide that reached almost to the foundation. Fearing that the house would collapse, the residents panicked, evacuated their belongings, and left the house that night.

Locals believe that the cause of the landslide was the Chau Thang Hydropower Plant releasing floodwaters. Photo: Hung Cuong

Local residents said the main cause of the landslide was the Chau Thang Hydropower Plant releasing floodwaters. Ms. Le Thi Tam, whose house was affected, said: "My house is near the river, and has never been affected by floods for generations, but in recent years, the Chau Thang Hydropower Plant has been in operation, and during the rainy season, the plant releases floodwaters, making us feel scared. Last night, I only had time to hug my four children and run out of the house because I was afraid it would collapse."

Mr. Chau Quang Thuan - Secretary of Minh Tien village Party Cell reflected: "Not only our village is affected by the flood discharge of the factory, but the whole National Highway 48 along the Hieu River is also at high risk. We have repeatedly given our opinions to the authorities to have absolute safety measures for the villagers. Counting and compensating the people is only an immediate measure."

Mr. Luong Trung Thay - Vice Chairman of Chau Tien Commune People's Committee said: "When the incident happened, the people of Minh Tien village reported it to us. That same night, we sent forces to transport furniture and evacuate households at high risk of house collapse. At the same time, we made a record to check, verify the incident and report to superiors."

Minutes of verification of the incident by Chau Tien Commune People's Committee. Photo: Hung Cuong

Regarding the incident, representative of Chau Thang Hydropower Plant, Mr. Ho Ngoc Thiet - Director of Prime Que Phong Joint Stock Company under Trung Son Power Corporation explained: "The incident is very regrettable, we do not deny responsibility and will join hands with the people to overcome the consequences. Today, the plant representative will work with the interdisciplinary delegations to conduct a damage assessment to properly compensate the affected households after the inspection conclusion".