Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology sends working delegation to assess natural disasters in Lam Dong province

11/12/2025

Upon receiving information about extreme weather conditions causing significant damage across provinces in the central region in general, and Lam Dong province in particular, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) dispatched an interdisciplinary working delegation, comprising experts in engineering geology, landslides, hydrometeorology, and monitoring and early-warning technologies, to conduct on-site assessments and provide timely support to the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee in evaluating the extent of damage, identifying causes, and proposing scientifically grounded and sustainable solutions for preventing and mitigating future storm and flood impacts.

During the survey, conducted from November 24 to November 30, 2025, the delegation will focus on three key objectives: Surveying and assessing the situation, scope and severity of landslides in areas heavily affected, particularly at mountain passes along the province’s arterial transport routes such as Prenn, Minosa Pass, D’Ran Pass and Khanh Le Pass; Identifying geological, topographical, hydrological and potential human-induced factors that may have triggered the recent landslides; Proposing scientific and technological solutions (including structural and non-structural measures such as hazard zoning maps, monitoring systems and early-warning systems) to address landslide and fracture incidents.

The Academy also requested the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee to provide favourable support conditions and assign local officials to accompany the delegation, supplying information, data and guidance to ensure the mission is completed efficiently and swiftly.

On November 24, 2025, the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment, together with geological experts from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, conducted a field survey in Lac Thien 2 hamlet (D’Ran commune). The results recorded numerous long cracks on hillsides such as Trang Bang, Ba La Xanh and the Duong Moi area — locations where prolonged heavy rainfall has caused geological instability.

Nguyen Xuan Hien, Deputy Director of the National Hydrometeorological Forecasting Centre, noted: “Flash flood and landslide warnings face many challenges because these events occur rapidly, locally and are difficult to predict accurately. At times, we must issue warnings for more than 1,000 communes, yet in reality only a few experience flash floods or landslides.”

According to experts, unusually heavy and prolonged rainfall is destabilising many mountainous areas, increasing the risk of sudden landslides. Specialised agencies recommend that local authorities closely monitor cracked zones, enhance observation and continue relocating residents from high-risk areas to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Some initial images from the field survey: