HCM CITY —  Landslides on Monday occurred along the Ô Môn River in Cần Thơ City’s Ô Môn District, causing five houses to fall into the river.

The landslide, which was 55m long, occurred at about 5am in Thới An Ward’s Thới Lợi area. Eroson extended 10m inland.

The landslide caused a 50m section of a rural road and also parts of 14 houses to fall into the river and threaten the safety of another 15 houses.

Bùi Thị Nga, owner of one of the houses, said before the erosion, she heard loud noises, and about five minutes later the riverbank began to erode.  

Fortunately, she had enough time to inform neighbours about the coming erosion in advance.

Local resident Nguyễn Thanh Luốt said the erosion had occurred at his house’s front door.  

Previously, the area had a small crack on the road but no one thought it would lead to erosion, he said.

A few days ago, however, some local residents noticed signs of a landslide, so they moved some of their furniture out of their houses.

Đào Anh Dũng, deputy chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, on Monday morning visited the eroded area and instructed relevant agencies to help affected households and find temporary housing for them.

Local authorities on Monday mobilised forces to help the households move their property to safe areas.

The city provided a financial support of VNĐ10-20 million (US$440 - 880) to each household affected by the landslide.

According to the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, whirlpools and strong currents occur in the river in the area that eroded. The waves hit the riverbank, carving out notches.

The riverbed in the eroded area has a depth of at least 14m.

The institute will issue a report on the incident by May 25.  Authorities will then try to come up with solutions to prevent further landslides.

Erosion has occurred in the area three times this month. The first two cases were on May 6 and May 11. — VNS