Lam Dong (VNA) - The provincial Lam Dong People's Committee on November 20 declared a natural disaster emergency after major landslides severely damaged sections of National Highway 20, especially on Mimosa pass, one of the main gateways into Da Lat city.
The decision came just days after Prenn pass was fully closed due to a serious landslide on November 17.
Under Decision No. 2220/QD-UBND, the emergency applies to two sections, including Km226+600 to Km226+800 on Mimosa Pass, and Km249+932 to Km249+968.
Heavy rains from November 15 to 19 caused the slopes and roadbed to continue collapsing late on November 19. At Km226+600 to Km226+800, about 70 metres of road slid away, leaving a drop roughly 40 metres deep and completely cutting off the road surface and embankment. At the second location, a 36-metre-long section of the slope also slipped, and the road surface subsided by around 30 centimetres.
Provincial authorities ordered immediate emergency actions to protect residents and restore traffic. These include installing warning signs, blocking all unauthorised entry to danger zones, relocating households near the landslide area, and maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of cracks, movements and further erosion.
Traffic is being controlled and redirected to ensure safe travel, while technical teams assess causes and propose urgent repair solutions.
The Department of Construction has been tasked with maintaining on-site warnings, monitoring the situation, coordinating traffic flow, and working with Project Management Unit 85 to evaluate the damage and recommend emergency construction measures.
Xuan Huong ward's authorities have been instructed to urgently relocate families living at the foot of steep slopes and prevent residents from returning until the area is declared safe. Police, militia, and rescue teams are stationed around the clock to support evacuation, rescue and traffic control./.
