In a recent dispatch to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Department of Construction proposed continuing the repair of the landslide section as an emergency project. Funding will come from routine expenditure for traffic maintenance. Once approved, repairs are expected to be completed this August.

Ba Dinh street subsidence scene by Tau Hu Canal on 18/1. Photo: Dinh Van

The incident occurred on 18/1 near the Ba Dinh – Le Quang Kim intersection in former District 8. A section of Ba Dinh street, along with the sidewalk and embankment, subsided approximately 25 m long, 16 m wide, and over 3 m deep. By 2/2, the area further collapsed 8 m upstream, showing subsidence on the road surface and sidewalk about 12 m long, with the deepest point nearly one meter. High tides that day worsened the situation.

The incident caused no human casualties but damaged many structures. Units implemented temporary measures to prevent further landslides and ensure safety, but these have not provided a complete solution.

Initial surveys indicated that sand and materials entering the culvert beneath the embankment and the sinkhole were the direct causes. However, the primary cause of this "culvert opening" requires a comprehensive assessment of geological and hydrological conditions, including water flow, groundwater levels, and weak soil.

The Department of Construction stated that repairs must follow a technical roadmap, involving surveys with modern equipment to propose a sustainable solution. The Center for Traffic and Technical Infrastructure Management has been tasked with coordinating consultancy for the implementation, with an estimated total duration of 8 months, including surveying, design, and construction.

Ba Dinh street, nearly 1,5 km long and 10-14 m wide, runs along Tau Hu Canal through a densely populated residential area. Traffic on the route has been restored following temporary repairs.

Giang Anh