Border patrol route severely damaged after floods

The border patrol route passing through Muong Tip and Muong Ai communes of Ky Son district is over 20 km long and has been concreted quite solidly since 2018. However, the flood that occurred in August caused serious landslides, leading to many sections of this route being damaged and buried.

The landslide from the mountain covered the entire road, making travel extremely difficult. Photo: Khanh Ly

Previously, it only took about 1 hour to complete this patrol route by motorbike, but since the landslide, it has taken more than 2 hours. Not to mention, many sections have to be walked off the motorbike or with the support of the person sitting behind.

The road was most severely damaged and eroded at 4 points at km 25, 27, 30, and 34. The length of the landslides was usually about 10 - 15m, with many sections of the road broken or completely buried by rocks and soil, making traffic extremely difficult.

The concrete road surface was deformed due to the destruction caused by floods. Photo: Hoai Thu

In particular, due to severe road damage, people from Vang Pao village to the clusters of villages Tham Khop, Xop Phong, Huoi Phong, Ai Khe encountered difficulties in traveling, agricultural products could not be sold, teachers and students had to take many days off from teaching and school.

After the flood, residents along the border patrol route were often isolated. The route was only cleared two weeks ago after efforts by authorities to clear landslides.