A key 35km road connecting Mu Cang Chai Commune and Che Tao Commune in Lao Cai Province remains impassable after more than 200 landslides triggered by torrential rain, local authorities said on July 21.
A section of road from Mu Cang Chai Commune to Che Tao Commune was washed away by landslides (Photo: A Chua).
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, a leader of the Che Tao Commune People's Committee said the route, the only road linking the two communes, had yet to reopen as recovery efforts continued.
The official said prolonged heavy rain between July 16 and July 17 triggered widespread landslides along the route. Preliminary assessments identified more than 200 landslide sites, with several sections of the road completely washed away, bringing traffic to a standstill.
A section of road was completely obliterated (Photo: A Chua).
The most severe damage occurred near Hang Gang Village in Lao Chai Commune, where floodwaters swept away two concrete road sections. One stretch measuring more than 40 metres was completely destroyed.
To pass through the affected area, residents, fibre-optic repair crews and emergency response teams have been forced to walk along steep mountainsides or climb unstable slopes, exposing them to significant danger.
Efforts to clear landslide-hit sections (Photo: A Chua).
The road is the area's main transport artery, playing a vital role in delivering goods, essential supplies and emergency aid to flood-affected communities.
"Over the past few days, local authorities have been working closely with relevant agencies to repair the damage caused by the disaster. Additional machinery, equipment and construction teams have been deployed to reopen the road as quickly as possible and help residents return to normal life," the official said.