River bank landslides have increased in the Mekong Delta, causing huge loss to property and agricultural production, besides greatly hampering the daily lives of people.
According to the latest survey of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in An Giang Province, there are now 53 highly vulnerable landslide spots along Tien, Hau and Vam Rivers, 10 more than last year.
Since the beginning of the year, the province has experienced ten severe landslides, prompting hundreds of households to evacuate large areas.
The worst fear is that landslides are broadening in several areas, with some sections stretching across 100 metres or more. Thirteen eddies have also been uncovered along Hau River in Long Xuyen Town.
Dong Thap Province too has more than 100 landslide spots along Tien and Hau River, while Can Tho City has 16 spots of which eight are critically precarious.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Vinh Long Province reported 18 areas that are vulnerable to severe landslides. Most of these areas are located in An Binh Commune of Long Ho District.
According to statistics from An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Tien Giang, Soc Trang, Kien Giang and Ca Mau Provinces, more than 10,000 households are living in landslide prone areas and should be evacuated to safer zones. Most of these households are too poor and have already moved house several times already.