(Baonghean.vn) - Despite warning signs of danger, dozens of children are playing every day on Pha Lai dam, where many people have lost their lives.
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Pha Lai Dam is located on Giang River, passing through Mon Son Commune, and is the largest irrigation project in Con Cuong District. The dam was built and completed in 2002, to retain water for farming, people's daily life and tourism. The dam is over 10 meters high, with a steep slope and large water flow, so the current is very strong. The water at the foot of the dam is very deep. Photo: Tien Hung |
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Despite the danger, dozens of children still come here to swim every day. "It's okay, we all know how to swim. We won't die," Vi Van Hien (12 years old, Mon Son commune) confidently said. According to Hien, on hot days, there are times when more than 100 children go swimming at the dam. Photo: Tien Hung |
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Despite the high, steep, and slippery spillway, many children still play and climb upstream. All children bathing in this area do not have protective equipment such as life jackets... Photo: Tien Hung |
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Two reckless children raced upstream, letting water splash all over them. Photo: Tien Hung |
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After only a short distance, the boy behind could not stand the strong and slippery current and was swept down to the foot of the dam. Photo: Tien Hung |
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Many children even competed to jump from a height of more than 10 meters in a deep river. "There was a time when I jumped down and got cramps. But afterwards I was fine, I didn't die," said Lo Van Thong (13 years old) with a smile. "This area is far from residential areas. If children unfortunately drown, it will be too late to call adults to save them," said a local resident. Photo: Tien Hung |
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Pha Lai Dam was built 15 years ago. However, up to now, there have been dozens of accidents that have claimed the lives of nearly 10 people. Some of the victims were even border guards, tourists... Photo: Tien Hung |
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Recently, Mon Son commune has put up warning signs, but this move seems to be ineffective. "We have also directed the villages to warn people not to let children swim there, but it has not worked. We are planning to set up a station to manage boats and keep watch to prevent children from swimming here," said Mr. Luong Viet Tung, Chairman of Mon Son Commune People's Committee. Photo: Tien Hung |
Tien Hung