The Lam Dong Department of Construction announced that vehicles could use Prenn Pass from 9h to 22h today, 5/12. For the next two days, the operating hours will extend from 5h to 22h, but trucks remain prohibited. Outside these hours, vehicles entering or leaving Da Lat city center must use Mimosa Pass, Sacom Pass (also closed to trucks), or Ta Nung.

Vehicles traveling through Prenn Pass in the previously affected landslide area, morning of 5/12. Photo: Hoai Thanh

The 7,27 km Prenn Pass is a crucial route connecting National Highway 20 from the southeastern provinces to Da Lat. Yesterday afternoon, hundreds of cubic meters of soil and rock slid from a cut slope, bringing down large pine trees and blocking the pass. This occurred despite a break in Da Lat's heavy rain. The landslide site was approximately 300 m from a previous incident on 17/11.

Authorities mobilized excavators and dump trucks to work overnight, clearing the debris and sawing down pine trees at risk of falling to ensure safety.

The recent prolonged heavy rains and floods have caused multiple landslides on other passes, including Mimosa, D'ran, and Gia Bac. The region has experienced significant damage, with over 3,300 homes flooded, dozens of fishing boats sunk, disrupted transportation, and one fatality.

In addition to Prenn Pass and Mimosa Pass being open to traffic, two passes affected by recent floods and landslides, Gia Bac and D'ran, are being repaired. Graphics: Tam Thao

Khanh Huong - Truong Ha