Tragedy on Vietnam's Treacherous Mountain Pass
A devastating landslide has struck a passenger bus on a mountain pass in Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of six people and leaving 19 others injured. The incident occurred as heavy rain continues to batter the region, with further severe weather forecast for the coming days.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Debris and Rain
The landslide, which involved earth and rocks, hit the bus late on Sunday as it was navigating the Khanh Le pass in the country's central highlands. The 33-kilometer (20-mile) pass is known for its scenic views and popularity with tourists, but it is also notoriously prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season.
The force of the collapse crushed the front of the bus, trapping numerous passengers inside. Rescue teams faced immense challenges reaching the scene for several hours because heavy rain had triggered additional landslides on both sides of the pass, effectively cutting off access. According to state media reports, rescuers were not able to reach the stricken vehicle until after midnight.
The bus was carrying 32 people who were travelling from the city of Da Lat to the coastal destination of Nha Trang. The journey originated in Ho Chi Minh City. The injured passengers have been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tragically, the difficult terrain has hindered recovery efforts, with two of the victims' bodies still trapped under the debris.
Wider Context of Flooding and Climate Warnings
Central Vietnam is currently experiencing intense rainfall, which was earlier exacerbated by Typhoon Kalmaegi. Forecasters predict that rainfall from Sunday through to Wednesday could reach between 30 and 60 centimetres (12-24 inches) in parts of the region, with some areas potentially seeing over 85 centimetres (33 inches).
The severe weather has caused widespread disruption, including flooding and landslides in the mountainous areas of Hue city on Sunday. A major national highway was blocked, and several villages were cut off. This comes after the former imperial capital already endured historic flooding earlier this year.
This tragedy underscores Vietnam's status as one of the world's most flood-prone nations. Scientists are warning that a warming climate is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, leading to more frequent and destructive natural disasters like floods and landslides.
