Do not underestimate the risk of landslides.
In recent days, heavy rains have caused landslides in several locations on National Highway 28B, specifically the section passing through Phan Son commune (Lam Dong province). Soil and rocks from the embankment have spilled onto the road surface, threatening the safety of people and vehicles. At Km 31+300, at the foot of Dai Ninh pass, soil and rocks from the high hillside suddenly slid down onto the road. This location has experienced two landslides since last weekend, and with the rain at its peak, the risk of recurrence remains high. Notably, the landslide has eroded the base of a 110kV power pole, posing a potential threat to both the road infrastructure and the power system. Landslides on the embankment were also recorded at Km 39+900 and Km 24+200 on National Highway 28B.
Immediately after the incident occurred, the Phan Son commune authorities, in coordination with the Central Vietnam Road Project Management Board, mobilized forces and equipment to the scene to promptly clear the debris, organize warnings, and ensure traffic flow.
Mr. Mai Hong Dang, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phan Son commune, said that the locality has proactively implemented a plan to address the problem and maintain a force to promptly handle any arising situations, preventing the incident from prolonging and affecting people's travel. Along with addressing the incident, the Central Region Road Project Management Board, the unit constructing the upgrade of National Highway 28B, is accelerating the construction of stone embankments and reinforcing the slopes at locations with a high risk of landslides.
In reality, the rainy season is always a particularly sensitive time for mountain passes in Lam Dong province such as Prenn, Mimosa, Dai Ninh, Khanh Le, Gia Bac, Bao Loc... The hilly and steep terrain, with many sharp curves and high embankments, increases the risk of landslides and rockfalls when heavy rains last for an extended period. Besides rocks and soil spilling onto the road surface, uprooted trees, slippery roads, fast-flowing water, and fog also pose potential traffic safety risks.
Having transported agricultural products from Da Lat to Phan Thiet and surrounding areas for over 10 years, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung said that the biggest worry when crossing the pass during the rainy season is the possibility of sudden landslides after heavy rains.
"The rainy season on the pass is very unpredictable. Sometimes, you've just passed a short distance and a landslide has already occurred behind you," Hung shared.
Mr. Dinh Van Tuan, a driver transporting agricultural products on the Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City route, shared his experience driving on mountain passes during the rainy season: Reducing speed, maintaining a safe distance, and carefully observing the terrain ahead are especially important requirements. When detecting water flowing across the road, falling rocks or soil, or any unusual signs on the embankment, drivers should proactively stop their vehicles in a safe location and not attempt to cross.
Proactively address critical points.
The Khanh Le Pass on National Highway 27C is one of the routes receiving special attention. With a length of approximately 33km, it is a vital transportation artery connecting Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa provinces . During the 2025 rainy season, many sections of the pass suffered serious landslides. To date, nine major landslide locations remain unresolved. Along the entire route, projects to reinforce embankment slopes, construct retaining walls, complete drainage systems, and prevent rockfalls are being urgently implemented; overall progress is approximately 60%, with the goal of completion in November.
To ensure safety during construction, traffic management plans are being implemented to minimize the risk of accidents. Vehicles are currently prohibited from crossing the Khanh Le pass at night; during the day, traffic is restricted locally during certain hours to facilitate construction.
At Prenn Pass, a crucial gateway to Da Lat, areas at high risk of landslides are also being addressed. Due to recurring geological landslides, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee has declared a state of emergency regarding natural disasters on the pass. The Department of Construction has proposed a comprehensive technical plan with an estimated total cost of 15.64 billion VND to address the landslide site.
The landslide site has a positive slope of about 20-25m, a length of about 120m, and the soil layer mainly consists of soil mixed with loose rocks. When saturated with water for a long time, the soil and rocks lose their cohesion, easily become loose, and slide downwards.
Authorities are conducting geological surveys and plan to excavate approximately 1,000 cubic meters of soil and rock at critical points on the slope to reduce load and create a stable slope according to technical requirements. Approximately 3,000 square meters of the slope surface will be reinforced with a system of steel mesh, bracing cables, and geotextile mesh. Six-meter-long steel anchor bolts will be drilled deep into the bedrock to enhance slope stability.
"These solutions aim to address the unstable soil and rock, while also increasing the slope's resilience against heavy rainfall in subsequent rainy seasons," said a representative of the investor.
Each mountain pass in Lam Dong has different topographical and geological characteristics and risk levels, but the risk of landslides is always present after prolonged heavy rains. Therefore, the requirement is not only to quickly address the situation when soil and rocks spill onto the road surface, but more importantly, to identify risk points early, proactively reinforce them, maintain a standby force, and prepare appropriate traffic diversion plans.
“Ensuring smooth traffic flow during the rainy season is not only about keeping people and vehicles safe, but also about maintaining connectivity between residential areas, economic centers, tourist destinations, and production regions. We must not allow unusual natural events to disrupt the flow of people and goods on vital transportation routes!”, emphasized Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, Ho Van Muoi, during a site inspection of a landslide on Prenn Pass.
Source: https://cand.vn/giu-thong-suot-nhung-tuyen-deo-huyet-mach-trong-mua-mua-bao-o-lam-dong-post824168.html
