A devastating landslide struck a passenger bus in Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuring 19 others. The incident occurred late on Sunday, October 15, 2023, as the bus navigated the treacherous Khanh Le Pass in the central highlands. The area has been experiencing heavy rainfall, raising concerns for further incidents as more rain is forecasted throughout the week.
The landslide, which involved a significant collapse of earth and rocks, buried the bus and trapped many passengers inside. Rescuers faced significant challenges reaching the scene due to additional landslides caused by the persistent rain, which blocked both sides of the pass. It was not until after midnight that rescue teams managed to access the bus and begin their efforts to free the trapped individuals.
The bus was carrying a total of 32 passengers, having traveled from Vietnam’s financial hub, Ho Chi Minh City, to the coastal city of Nha Trang, with a stop in Da Lat. The injured were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, though reports indicated that two victims remained trapped beneath the debris, complicating recovery efforts.
Central Vietnam has been grappling with severe weather, having recently endured the impacts of Typhoon Kalmaegi. Forecasts predict that rainfall in parts of the region could reach between 30 and 60 centimeters, with some areas expecting to exceed 85 centimeters by Wednesday. This situation underscores Vietnam’s vulnerability, as nearly half of its population resides in flood-prone areas.
According to authorities, the current weather patterns align with a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the intensity of storms and rainfall. This has resulted in an increase in both the frequency and destructiveness of floods and landslides across the region.
The risk of landslides is not confined to Vietnam. Just last week, heavy rains in Indonesia’s Central Java province triggered landslides that have claimed at least 18 lives. In Cilacap, a landslide buried multiple houses in Cibeunying village, leading to the deaths of at least 16 people, with several more reported missing. Additionally, another landslide in Banjarnegara on Saturday resulted in two fatalities and left 27 individuals unaccounted for, as search operations continue.
As Vietnam and its neighbors confront these natural disasters, the call for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness becomes increasingly urgent. The tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for effective disaster management strategies in vulnerable regions.
