On the morning of 25/7, a kapok tree with a diameter of over one meter lay in the motorbike parking lot of a block at the Thanh Da residential area in Binh Quoi ward. The tree, situated next to a pedestrian walkway, leaned precariously, threatening to fall onto a row of houses, causing concern among residents.
During a heavy thunderstorm on 20/7, the tree's roots suddenly gave way, causing the ground to heave and crack. Mr. An, a resident, recounted hearing loud noises before the tree began to tilt. Dozens of motorbikes were parked near the base of the tree at the time.
"Fortunately, the tree hasn't fallen yet. If it had, it would have crushed many motorbikes and houses, which would have been very dangerous," Mr. An said. As a precaution, residents have blocked off the walkway and put up warning signs.
According to residents, the tree has been there for over 30 years. Before being uprooted, the tree showed no signs of disease or decay. Its large canopy extended beyond the height of the residential area's fifth floor.
Mr. Dang Minh Nguyen, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Quoi ward (UBND), stated that they have contacted the tree management unit to devise a safe solution. The ward has also warned residents to keep a safe distance to avoid any accidents.
The Thanh Da residential area was built before 1975 with 22 blocks, each containing 200 apartments located on both sides of Binh Quoi street (former Binh Thanh district).
Dinh Van
