A large amount of rock and soil from the more than 5-meter-long split-stone retaining wall spilled onto the road. The incident caused no casualties. Local authorities and residents cleaned up the scene and implemented safety measures.

The older part of Da Lat city has many retaining walls due to the steep, hilly terrain and soft, landslide-prone soil. Rapid urbanization has forced houses and roads to be built along the hillsides. To create level ground and prevent landslides, residents and authorities often build cut-and-fill retaining walls.

Earlier that day, heavy rain lasting over an hour caused severe flooding in several streets and residential areas in Da Lat. Water from upstream flooded Phan Dinh Phung street to a depth of over half a meter, sweeping away motorbikes, paralyzing traffic, and causing property damage. In Lam Vien ward, the residential area near Lu Gia stream was flooded; the surface of Le Van Tam street was severely damaged and peeled.

Phan Dinh Phung street flooded after this afternoon's rain. Photo: Hoai Thanh

In Dong Gia Nghia ward, days of heavy rain caused a 1,000 m² hillside to collapse, with about 900 m³ of rock and soil burying a 25 m² wooden house. The debris encroached about 3 meters onto the foundation of a neighboring house and poses a continued risk of further landslides if heavy rain persists.

Authorities have cordoned off the area, posted warning signs, and urgently evacuated 4 households with 13 residents from the danger zone, assisting them in moving their belongings to ensure safety.

Huong Thanh - Truong Ha