Foreign tourists among more than 260 stranded due to landslides in central Vietnam

Van Ngoc Huong, Chairman of the Khanh Vinh District People's Committee, reported that by Sunday afternoon, the individuals—comprising both local residents and tourists—were stranded at two landslide points about 5 kilometers apart within Son Thai Commune. The affected area lacks residential houses, with only a few small huts used by forest-goers for temporary rest.

A foreign man (R) is among people stranded along the road due to landslides on Khanh Le Pass, Dec. 15, 2024. Photo by Ngoc Huu

Authorities dispatched personnel, including militia members and local police, to navigate forest paths around the landslides and deliver food supplies such as instant noodles, bottled water, snacks, and boxed meals to those stranded. Most of the individuals were reported to be in stable health.

Vo Thi Chung, a tourist from Nghe An Province, said her group was traveling from Nha Trang to Da Lat on Sunday morning when they encountered the landslide at Khanh Le Pass. After waiting without knowing when the road would reopen, her family decided to leave their belongings on the tour bus and walk through the landslide area in the afternoon. Her brother rode a motorbike from Da Lat, more than 60 kilometers away, to pick them up.

 

 

Foreign tourists among more than 260 stranded due to landslides in central Vietnam

Khoảng 250 người mắc kẹt do đèo Khánh Lê sạt lở

Pham Ngoc Huu, Chairman of the Son Thai Commune People's Committee, stated that local authorities are working with relevant agencies to expedite the clearing of the landslide. However, due to the large volume of displaced earth and rocks, it is unlikely that the road will reopen on Sunday.

Three major landslides occurred along Khanh Le Pass on Sunday morning, with the affected sections 4 to 6 km apart. Each site saw 200 to 300 cubic meters of soil and rocks displaced, covering road stretches 10 to 20 meters long.

Authorities have erected warning signs and barriers to keep people away while deploying specialized vehicles to clear debris and inspect for additional landslide risks.

A section of Khanh Le Pass in Khanh Vinh District, Khanh Hoa, is hit by the landslide. Photo by Ngoc Huu

National Highway 27C, spanning 121 kilometers, is a vital route connecting Da Lat and Nha Trang, two popular tourist destinations. The 33-kilometer Khanh Le Pass along this highway is particularly prone to landslides during the rainy season.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that heavy rains continue to affect central Vietnam but are expected to subside gradually on Monday.