Vice Chairman Nguyen Phuoc Thien Inspects Phu An Riverbank Erosion Site

(DTO) On the morning of April 13, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Phuoc Thien conducted a field inspection at the erosion site along the Phu An River in Binh Phu Commune to assess the situation and direct emergency response efforts.

According to reports from the Binh Phu Commune People's Committee, at 6:30 AM on April 12, a 75-meter section along the eastern bank of the Phu An River, near the former communal office, collapsed. While the incident caused no casualties, the entire 3.5-meter-wide concrete road was swept into the river, completely severing local transportation.

The erosion has caused significant damage and poses major risks across multiple fronts. Regarding housing, five houses belonging to six households in the high-risk area are directly affected, including one poor household. These structures are at risk of total collapse if not promptly reinforced.

Regarding production, the loss of the embankment section directly threatens over 500 hectares of durian orchards in the area. Should high tides coincide with saline intrusion, the risk of economic loss for local farmers would be substantial.

In terms of livelihoods, the daily activities, living conditions, and goods transportation of local residents are severely disrupted, particularly affecting students’ commuting.

At the site, Mr. Nguyen Duc Thinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment noted that the erosion occurred at a river bend where strong currents exert continuous scouring pressure on the bank. 

In addition, the geological conditions in the area are relatively weak and unable to withstand the impact of the current. Notably, in recent days, large tidal fluctuations — with unusually low ebb tides and abnormally high peak tides — have been identified as one of the direct causes of this severe collapse.

Following the inspection, Vice Chairman Nguyen Phuoc Thien urged local authorities to promptly mobilize and assist residents in relocating people and assets to safety.

The Vice Chairman particularly emphasized the urgent requirement for load reduction along the entire section, including the demolition of structures that increase pressure on the fragile ground. He also ordered a comprehensive assessment and riverbed survey to accurately determine the scope of the threat and implement appropriate technical solutions to prevent further expansion of the erosion.

By TUAN LAM
Translated by X.QUANG