Gia Bac Pass suffers new landslide, National Highway 28 cut off

Heavy rain caused a large amount of earth and rock to spill from the slope, covering National Highway 28 through Gia Bac Pass and cutting off traffic on the route on the afternoon of 23/9.

The landslide, which occurred on the afternoon of 23/9, spanned approximately 1 km along Gia Bac Pass. According to Vu Duc Nhuan, Chairman of Son Dien Commune People's Committee, earth and rock from the positive slope completely covered the road surface. There were also signs of collapse on the negative slope, posing a risk of further erosion into the roadbed. Due to the significant volume of debris and ongoing heavy rain, immediate cleanup efforts could not be launched. Son Dien Commune People's Committee dispatched personnel to inspect the site, erect warning signs, block off both ends of the hazardous area, and direct residents to alternative routes. The commune police also reported the incident to Lam Dong Provincial Police to coordinate remote traffic control and prevent vehicles from entering the affected zone.

Earth and rock spilled down, covering the road surface on Gia Bac Pass, afternoon of 23/9. *Hoai Thanh*

Gia Bac Pass is known for its steep, hilly terrain, with many sections featuring high slopes on one side and deep gorges on the other. This particular stretch was already undergoing emergency repairs to address numerous landslides that occurred during the 2025 rainy season. In 2025, Gia Bac Pass alone recorded 63 landslide incidents, frequently disrupting traffic on National Highway 28. This led Lam Dong province to declare a natural disaster emergency in 11/2025. Earlier this year, the province initiated a 70 billion VND emergency project to stabilize the pass. Surveys identified 11 severely eroded locations, with solutions including slope trimming, road centerline adjustments, retaining wall construction, and slope reinforcement. The project is expected to be completed by late 11/2026. However, in 5/2026, heavy rains caused further debris to spill onto the road during construction, forcing authorities to temporarily halt traffic for safety.

Traffic on National Highway 28 cut off due to landslide on Gia Bac Pass. *Hoai Thanh*

National Highway 28, spanning over 300 km, historically traversed three provinces — Binh Thuan, Lam Dong, and Dak Nong — before recent boundary adjustments. It connects the Phan Thiet area through Di Linh and Gia Nghia to Cu Jut. The Gia Nghia - Di Linh section, extending over 100 km, serves as a vital East-West axis for the newly delineated Lam Dong province, linking the Southern Central Highlands region with coastal transportation routes.