National Highway 16 is the sole route linking the former centre of Tuong Duong District with remote communes and neighbouring districts such as Ky Son and Que Phong.
National Highway 16 is facing the severe erosion
A 30-kilometre stretch of National Highway 16 from Tri Le to Nhon Mai communes in Nghe An has been hit by prolonged downpours since late May, causing dozens of landslides along a 13-kilometre section in Nhon Mai Commune.
Le Hong Thai, chairman of Nhon Mai Commune, stated that five major landslides have occurred in the local section of National Highway 16, with a flash flood on May 29 thoroughly washing away the road in Xoi Voi village.
A 10-metre-long, 6-metre-wide section of the road was completely swept into the ravine.
Tonnes of soil and rocks tumbling onto the road
A heavy downpour on the evening of July 6 sent tonnes of soil and rocks tumbling onto the road.
On the morning of July 7, local authorities arranged for staff to clear debris blocking the road and control traffic at both ends to ensure safety.
According to Nguyen Minh Giap from the Tri Le Road Management Unit, the landslide in Xoi Voi reoccurred just one day after it was cleared and reopened to traffic.
Nguyen Minh Giap from the Tri Le Road Management Unit said even a single downpour could trigger landslides due to waterlogged, loose soil. Large rocks also hang precariously above the road and could fall at any time.
Hoc Xuan Thanh, 67, a resident of Xoi Voi village in Nhon Mai Commune, said that this year’s rains came early, were heavier, and lasted longer. If this weather pattern persists, landslides are likely to continue, posing risks to lives and property.
