Slips threaten 1,200 homes near river

DONG THAP — Landslides are threatening about 1,200 households near the Tien River, according to Dong Thap Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention.

Districts particularly at risk are Hong Ngu, Thanh Binh and Chau Thanh.

Since last year, the province saw about 100 major landslides near the Tien and Hau rivers. An estimated 43ha of land was lost.

The landslides were blamed on unseasonably heavy rain, said Nguyen Van Duong, deputy chairman of the provincial People's Committee.

The province has relocated nearly 550 households from landslide-prone areas, but a great number of families are still at risk, but space is limited, Duong said.

Hoang Van Cam, from Thanh Binh District, said he and his neighbours were unable to sleep because of the threat of landslides.

"I heard that local authorities will resettle us, but I'm not sure when. We look forward to relocating to somewhere safe," he said.

Since last year, a number of houses near Cam's have been affected by subsidence. No casualties were reported, but local residents said losses amounted to as much as VND30 million (US$1,430), Cam said.

The provincial People's Committee has asked the ministries of agriculture and rural development, planning and investment and finance to provide VND334 billion ($15.9 million) in financial aid to relocate residents to safe areas.

Meanwhile, provincial authorities have asked districts to ensure residents are safe and to speed up construction of dyke systems near rivers. — VNS