Leaders of An Giang Province check cracks on National Highway 91. — VNA/VNS Photo Công Mạo

AN GIANG — The Mekong Delta province of An Giang has petitioned the Government for permission to regulate the flow of the Hậu River as the potential risk of serious landslide could occur on National Highway 91.

The provincial authorities on Sunday afternoon checked the cracks on Highway 91, the section through Bình Tân Hamlet, Mỹ Bình Commune in Châu Phú District.

The changes of water flow of the Hậu River and soft ground are thought to be the initial cause of cracks, causing danger for local residents and vehicles.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyễn Thanh Bình has asked leaders of Châu Phú District and Bình Mỹ Commune to urgently demarcate landslide-danger zones, install signs and control traffic to ensure safety for road users and residents.

The local People's Committee was also ordered to set up a plan to relocate households at risk of landslides to safe areas.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment needs to conduct surveys and examine the situation closely so that long-term solutions can be executed, chairman Bình said.

The risk of landslide can occur at any time as the province is in the rainy season, he said.

The crack measuring 20m long and 1.2cm wide was found along the Highway 91 section running through Bình Tân Hamlet on Saturday morning.

The crack has now widened to 2cm in some sections.

Local authorities cut down trees in the area where the cracks appeared and installed fences and signs to block vehicles passing.

According to Trần Thanh Nhã, chairman of Châu Phú District's People's Committee, the landslide could affect over 100 nearby households. — VNS