The victim was found on the morning of 23/8 near the summit of a mountain, approximately 5 km from her home, in a remote area with treacherous terrain. Authorities from Tan Thanh commune believe Ms. Van was likely struck by a rockslide and unable to call for help.

Due to the continuing risk of landslides, authorities are carefully working to recover the body to ensure the safety of the rescue team.

The mountain where the victim was found. Photo: Hoa Lu

The mountain where the victim was found. Photo: Hoa Lu

Three days earlier, Ms. Van left her home in Dong Ao village, Tan Thanh commune, carrying a small bag to collect rock snails, without her phone. Later that evening, when she didn't return, her brother and his wife reported her missing to local authorities.

The area where Ms. Van was collecting snails is a dense forest, rarely visited. Over the past three days, hundreds of people were involved in the search. In addition to ground searches, authorities also reviewed security camera footage along suspected routes, but found no clues.

Ms. Van lived alone and had no spouse or children. Her family said she had supported herself for years by collecting rock snails, a common occupation for locals during the rainy season.

In June 2024, Nguyen Van Khanh, 73, disappeared while collecting rock snails in the former Ninh Hai commune (now Nam Hoa Lu ward). After more than a year of unsuccessful searching, on 13/8, locals discovered his remains under a large rock in Hai Nham village.

Ninh Binh rock snails (Bellamya chinensis) are a native species found in damp mountain crevices. They feed on forest leaves and herbs, which gives their meat a crisp texture and fragrant aroma, making them a local delicacy. They are most abundant during the rainy season, from April to August.

Le Hoang