Sa Pa suspends tourism activities amid deadly landslides triggered by typhoon Yagi

By Tu Nguyen, Tuan Anh   September 8, 2024 | 04:14 pm PT
Authorities in the northern mountainous resort city of Sa Pa suspended all sightseeing and tourism activities starting Sunday due to heavy rains and landslides caused by typhoon Yagi.

Although the typhoon weakened into a tropical depression on Sunday, many roads leading to Sa Pa have been heavily damaged, blocking traffic and posing safety risks.

Nguyen Trung Kien, a representative of the Cat Cat tourist area, reported that heavy rains since Saturday night had triggered serious landslides along some roads leading from downtown Sa Pa to the area.

Six people were killed and nine others injured on Sunday when rocks and soil from a mountain slope buried a residential area in Sa Pa, as the city continues to suffer from torrential downpours.

A representative from the Ta Van Commune People's Committee said efforts to repair the damage are ongoing. Currently, traffic within the commune remains stable, and some homestay accommodations still have guests staying.

Khu vực cầu 32, cửa ngõ vào Sa Pa, ngày 8/9. Ảnh: NVCC

A road leading to Sa Pa is paralyzed due to landslide, Sept. 8, 2024. Photo by Tuan Anh

Since Sept. 5, many tourists canceled their tours to Sa Pa due to concerns over the storm.

Pham Thuy Giang, owner of PaVi Homestay, said her facility and neighboring accommodations are nearly empty. For guests who had booked in advance, the homestay has proactively postponed their stays to ensure they have a safer experience in Sa Pa.

Transport operator Interbuslines reported nearly 100% cancelations for its shuttle bus service from Hanoi to Sa Pa on Saturday, the day Typhoon Yagi made landfall in the northern region.

On Sunday, most Vietnamese who had booked tickets either canceled them or postponed their travel dates while only two 30-seat buses operated, mainly carrying foreign tourists who had purchased tours in advance, according to Interbuslines.

Landslide on a road to Cat Cat village in Sa Pa on Sept. 8, 2024.Photo by Cat Cat village management board

VnExpress has launched the campaign "To Weather the Storm" to help communities recover and rebuild livelihoods after typhoon Yagi. Click here to lend your support.

 
 
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