Heavy rains cause widespread landslides in Thanh Hóa, Vietnam

Continuous heavy rainfall has triggered landslides in multiple locations across the mountainous regions of Thanh Hóa province, Vietnam. The provincial meteorological agency has issued a stark warning: the soil is saturated, and with rain persisting, the risk of flash floods and further landslides is critically high.

In Quan Sơn, a mountainous district, authorities completed the evacuation of 60 residents from 17 households and 12 staff members from the Quan Sơn District Social Policy Bank Branch on August 7. The landslides occurred on a hill behind the Thanh Sơn village residential area, causing soil to encroach on homes, ground subsidence, and threatening the safety of 17 houses and the bank's headquarters. A crack approximately 100 meters long has appeared on the hill, and ongoing rain heightens the danger of further slides, endangering lives and property.

Transportation has also been affected, with two landslide points on National Highway 217 in Quan Sơn blocking traffic. Local authorities and relevant units are mobilizing machinery and personnel to clear the debris. Meanwhile, in Luận Thành commune, a landslide behind the Luận Thành footwear and sports equipment factory sent over 2,000 cubic meters of soil and rock into the factory grounds. This caused damage to the boiler system and wastewater treatment facilities. The hill behind the factory exhibits new cracks and overhangs, posing a high risk of further landslides, forcing the factory to halt operations for safety reasons.

The Thanh Hóa Meteorological and Hydrological Station reported widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across the province. Soil moisture models indicate that several communes, including Tam Chung, Quan Sơn, and Sơn Hà, have soil moisture levels nearing or reaching saturation (over 85%). This significantly increases the risk of flash floods and landslides in these areas. Additionally, Tam Chung, Văn Phú, and Hóa Quỳ communes are flagged for high risk, with 18 other mountainous communes facing a medium risk.