Prolonged heavy rainfall has raised concerns about landslides around Mot Mountain in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, where dozens of homes perched near steep slopes and deep ravines are at risk.
Residents say every spell of intense rain brings anxiety, as the area has a long history of landslides, including incidents that have completely destroyed homes.
Dozens of houses perched on the slope of Mot mountain could be hit by landslides at any time (Photo: Cong Son).
A visit to the site revealed several houses standing precariously close to eroded edges created by previous slope failures. The narrow road leading to the residential area shows signs of subsidence, while sections of soil and rock have collapsed, leaving overhanging cavities in the hillside.
Below the unstable slopes, rows of closely packed houses remain vulnerable to falling debris should further landslides occur.
Huynh Van Hoan, 64, a resident of Quy Nhon Ward, said landslides have plagued the area for many years but became significantly worse after Typhoon Kalmaegi struck in late 2025.
“In the past few days, heavy rain has sent large volumes of water rushing down the mountain, and soil and rocks have started to slide again,” Hoan said. “Whenever there is prolonged rain, people here worry.”
He said his family was forced to leave their home and rent accommodation elsewhere following last year's severe storm.
Another resident, Huynh Van Trong, 58, has lived in the area since 2000. His house sits close to one of the most vulnerable sections of the slope.
“For more than a decade, every major storm or period of heavy rain has brought landslides from the mountainside,” he said.
To protect his property, Trong has repeatedly spent his own money on steel posts, cement and sand to reinforce the foundations and retaining structures around his home. Despite those efforts, he remains concerned that a major landslide could still destroy the house.
“I live alone, so when heavy rain comes I can lock the house and stay somewhere else,” he said. “What worries me most are families with elderly people and young children. If a landslide happens suddenly, they may not have time to escape.”
Many residents in the area have called for support in securing alternative land on which to build homes away from the danger zone.
A landslide point emerged after heavy rain, alarming residents (Photo: Doan Cong).
Nguyen Duc Toan, chairman of the Quy Nhon Ward People's Committee, said 52 households live below Mot Mountain in an area officially classified as highly vulnerable to landslides.
The local government has compiled a list of affected households and instructed neighbourhood officials to monitor conditions, raise awareness and encourage residents to evacuate immediately if warning signs emerge.
“We have prepared evacuation plans and are ready to relocate residents if necessary,” Toan said.
Temporary shelters have been arranged at local government facilities and schools, while some residents have also made private arrangements to stay with relatives should conditions deteriorate.
Fifty-two households living on and below Mot Mountain are in a high-risk landslide zone and stand ready for evacuation if danger escalates (Photo: Cong Son).
As a longer-term solution, the ward has proposed that provincial authorities consider planning measures and relocation schemes for households living in the highest-risk areas.
However, officials noted that relocating a large number of families would require broader planning approval and coordination.
According to local authorities, five homes in the area were previously destroyed by landslides and their occupants have already been relocated. The remaining households have not yet suffered direct damage but continue to face significant risks, particularly during the rainy and storm season.