HCMC – Lam Dong Province authorities have ordered an immediate emergency response after a landslide seriously damaged a section of the Prenn Pass on November 17.
A 100-meter section of the downhill retaining wall of the pass collapsed, causing large cracks across half of the roadway toward HCMC. Chairman of Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee Ho Van Muoi inspected the scene early in the morning and stressed the severity of the situation.
He directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to promptly declare a natural disaster emergency. Police were assigned to reroute traffic and halt all vehicles from entering the danger zone until safety measures are completed.
Alongside local disaster response efforts, the provincial chairman instructed agencies to assist rescue teams handling a deadly traffic accident on Khanh Le Pass at the Lam Dong–Khanh Hoa border, which left six people dead.
Provincial departments and local authorities have been told to closely monitor weather conditions, maintain a 24/7 on-duty workforce, and prepare equipment and personnel to support neighboring Khanh Hoa when needed. They were also asked to ensure road safety on key routes linking the two provinces, especially in areas at risk of landslides during ongoing heavy rains.
The directives come as Lam Dong faces extended periods of heavy rain. Rainfalls remain high in several locations, including 125.6 mm in D’Ran and 107.6 mm around Xuan Huong Lake in Dalat, increasing pressure on reservoirs and transport infrastructure.
Later the same day, Le Trong Yen, vice chairman of Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, issued an urgent notice warning of rising landslide risks along mountain passes and steep terrain.
The province instructed the Department of Construction to lead inspections of national highways, provincial roads, and major transport corridors, with particular attention to passes, slopes, and areas with unstable talus formations. Preventive measures must be taken at high-risk sites to maintain traffic safety and avoid disruptions during the rainy season.
Authorities also ordered temporary closures at locations already deemed unsafe, traffic diversions, and the establishment of alternative routes or weight restrictions on affected roads.
