Landslide in Lao Cai directly affects 28 households

Apeaking to Dantri/Dtinews Newspaper on May 18, Luong Van Thu, chairman of the People’s Committee of Phong Du Thuong Commune, Lao Cai Province, said that the circulation from Storm Bualoi in 2025 had triggered erosion along the bank of Ngoi Hut stream in Lang Chang Village, directly affecting 28 households and threatening lives and property.

The retaining wall behind these homes has been badly eroded and faces a continued risk of collapse in further heavy rain or flooding, leaving residents in constant anxiety. Around 900 metres of the stream embankment is in a state of serious erosion, with slabs of concrete, gabions and cobbles brought down by floodwaters still strewn across the stream bed.

At the site, a long row of houses along Ngoi Hut stream has been left precariously exposed at the foundations, with parts of some properties slipping towards the water. Several sections of the embankment have cracked and collapsed, leaving bare earth vulnerable to further erosion.

"As these households have lived in the area for many years and their homes are their largest and only major asset, residents are still staying put and have not relocated," Thu said.

"Given the situation, the authorities have repeatedly warned residents to ensure their safety ahead of the rainy and flood season."

He added that the authorities had also introduced temporary reinforcement measures at vulnerable points and proposed investment in a roughly 900-metre anti-erosion embankment to protect the residential area and farmland. The commune has also asked higher authorities to allow the use of stones and gravel deposited in the stream bed after flooding so residents can temporarily reinforce house foundations and the stream bank themselves.