In recent days, continuous sea waves have caused over 120 m of seawall along Trung Giang public beach in Ben Hai commune to collapse. This leaves an additional 100 m at risk of further erosion. The structure is part of the "Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Infrastructure Development Project Phase two," overseen by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, with a total capital of 84 billion VND. The seawall was handed over to Ben Hai commune for management and use in early october.

After its handover, the seawall suffered fractures due to several storms. Concrete slabs, paving stones, and steps now lie scattered and buried by beach sand. Many sections of the seawall have tilted towards the sea, rendering the pedestrian walkway above unusable.

Over 100 m of coastline at the fishing dock in village 6, Trieu Co commune, has eroded nearly 10 m inland. The concrete fishing dock has collapsed in many sections due to wave action. Residents report that coastal erosion has never been as severe as this year, with the shoreline continuously washing away.

The fishing dock, built in 2018, serves as a marketplace for seafood and a mooring point for hundreds of local fishing boats. However, the erosion makes it difficult for boats to dock, impacting seafood trade.

Beyond the fishing dock area, over 400 m of coastline has also been encroached upon by the sea, with some sections receding up to 20 m. Along the shore, many rows of wild pineapple and casuarina trees have been uprooted, exposing their roots.

The erosion has also damaged numerous plastic pipes that supply water to local aquaculture ponds.

In response, Trieu Co commune authorities have urged higher levels to implement effective solutions for erosion control. This aims to facilitate seafood trade for residents and ensure safe mooring and shelter for boats.

Nearly 90 km north of Trung Giang beach, the Quang Phu - Hai Thanh dike on the Nhat Le river in Dong Hoi ward has also collapsed due to waves. The 868 m dike, with a total capital of 35 billion VND, was built in 2021. Over 700 m of it collapsed before acceptance testing was complete.

Many sections of the dike are fragmented, with exposed steel reinforcement. The 3 m concrete road above, adjacent to residential areas, is broken. Some eroded areas are now close to homes and businesses in Dong Hoi ward.

Tran Thi Thanh Van, owner of a coastal restaurant, stated that the seawall area was previously used for outdoor seating, offering guests sea views. Now, the damaged dike has driven away customers, forcing many establishments to close. Dong Hoi ward has proposed that the Provincial People's Committee and the Department of Finance approve project settlement and allocate emergency funds for repairs and the construction of offshore submerged breakwaters.

Nearly 30 km north of the Hai Thanh - Quang Phu dike, the coastline of Bac Trach commune is experiencing erosion along approximately 7 km. During each storm season, the casuarina forest, which acts as a wave barrier, is washed out to sea, threatening about 450 households with nearly 1,800 people in the commune.

Ngu Ong Temple in Bac Trach commune, located south of the Gianh river mouth, preserves the bones of whales that drifted ashore. The temple is now only a few steps from the sea's edge. In front of it, a temporary dike of stones and concrete, reinforced by residents, has been swept away by waves. The temple, built 125 years ago, was previously situated about 200 m from the coastline.

Near the Ly Hoa river mouth in Bac Trach commune, a concentrated shrimp farming area, sea waves have washed away all temporary shelters and production facilities.

Tran Dinh Long, a shrimp farmer, noted that the land previously used for production is now submerged. The sea continues to encroach each year, a clear observation for residents, who remain unsure how to adapt.

Duong Thi Thu Hien, Chairwoman of Bac Trach commune, announced that the province has approved including a project to build a 1 km permanent dike to protect Ngu Ong Temple in the 2026-2030 medium-term public investment plan. The estimated capital for this project is 160 billion VND, sourced from the central budget.

Dac Thanh