On the morning of 24/9, authorities from Xuan Huong Ward, Da Lat, mobilized cranes and workers to fell 26 three-leaf pine trees scattered along Prenn Pass. Workers, operating from a lift, trimmed branches and cut tree trunks into sections before removing the timber from the slope area. The operation took place in the rain, with traffic still flowing on the pass.

The felled trees measured 10-16 meters in height and 15-70 centimeters in trunk diameter. Some were already dead and dry, while others were precariously perched on the uphill slope, posing a risk of uprooting and falling onto the road.

A pine tree near Datanla Bridge being cut down. Photo: Khanh Huong

A pine tree near Datanla Bridge being cut down. Photo: Khanh Huong

Prenn Pass has experienced multiple landslides following nearly two months of prolonged rainfall. Most recently, on the afternoon of 19/9, earth and rocks from the uphill slope spilled onto the road. Three large boulders fell onto the pass but did not strike any vehicles.

Following a survey, authorities determined that a 120-meter section of the slope, 20-25 meters high, had become unstable and was at risk of further slippage. On 22/9, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee declared a natural disaster emergency for the pass.

The Department of Construction proposed trimming the slope face and reinforcing it with nets, steel cables, geotextile grids, and anchor bolts. The estimated cost for these measures is 15,64 billion VND.

A pine tree in an unsafe position near the pass was recently felled. Photo: Khanh Huong

A pine tree in an unsafe position near the pass was recently felled. Photo: Khanh Huong

Prenn Pass, stretching 7,27 kilometers, serves as one of the main gateways connecting National Highway 20 to central Da Lat. The road was expanded to four lanes at a cost of 552 billion VND and opened for use in early 2024.

Khanh Huong - Truong Ha