On 20/11, Nguyen Kha, a resident of Duc Trong, Lam Dong, shared a video on his personal page capturing the powerful surge of water at Pongour waterfall. He noted that this is a rare sight in november, a period typically considered the dry season and ideal for visiting the waterfall.

"Born and raised here, I have never witnessed the waterfall's currents sweep away everything like this," Kha stated.

The video garnered thousands of interactions, with many expressing concern as the muddy floodwaters threatened to deform the seven-tier structure of Pongour waterfall.

According to the Pongour Waterfall Management Board, water levels began to rise and currents intensified from the afternoon of 18/11. Prolonged heavy rain that evening caused a rapid increase in water levels, leading to widespread inundation. A representative for the waterfall's management reported that the powerful floodwaters swept away numerous decorative landscapes and property, with the full extent of the damage yet to be assessed. The tourist area has been temporarily closed to ensure visitor safety.

"The water carried away trees, caused landslides, and the landscape will be difficult to recover after the floods," a representative from the Pongour waterfall tourist area said.

Pongour waterfall, also known as the Seven-Tier waterfall, is located in Tan Hoi commune, Lam Dong province. Originating from the Da Nhim river, the waterfall plunges from a height of nearly 40 m, spans over 100 m, and flows over a system of multi-tiered rock formations. It is surrounded by a primeval forest with rich vegetation.

Last century, after a visit, Emperor Bao Dai named Pongour waterfall "Nam Thien De Nhat Thac," meaning "the most magnificent waterfall of the South."

Situated approximately 50 km from Da Lat, Pongour waterfall attracts thousands of visitors annually, offering activities such as camping and picnicking in the nearby valley.

Visitors can reach Pongour waterfall by taking national route 20 in the Da Lat - TP HCM direction, then turning right about 8 km from the Trung hamlet (Chai mountain) area. If traveling from TP HCM to Da Lat, visitors can stop at km 260, turn right, and continue straight for about 8 km to arrive at the waterfall.

Tuan Anh