The Devastating Landslide: Tourists Advised to Avoid Tà Xùa During Heavy Rains and Floods

On August 10, Mr. Cha A Cua, Vice Chairman of the Son La Provincial People’s Council, inspected and directed the handling of a serious landslide in Ta Xua village, Ta Xua commune, Bac Yen district.

After examining the site, Mr. Cha A Cua requested that Bac Yen district instruct the district-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control, and Search and Rescue to assign 24-hour shifts. He also instructed them to inspect vulnerable sites and areas within the district, focusing on relocating households within the landslide-prone area to safer locations.

Mr. Cua further advised on conducting assessments to identify specific damages, proposing repair solutions, and providing support to affected households. He emphasized the importance of deploying forces to monitor and warn of potential dangers at the landslide sites, strictly prohibiting residents from returning to hazardous areas. He also recommended restricting tourist access to Ta Xua commune during the rainy season and implementing temporary traffic plans to ensure the safety of the local population.

According to a rapid report on August 10 by the Son La Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control, and Search and Rescue, a landslide occurred at around 4 a.m. on the same day in Ta Xua village, Ta Xua commune. The landslide buried ManDo Homestay, a local business.

The incident resulted in two injuries: Mr. D.V.L. (DOB: 1990, owner of the homestay) and his child, D.T.D. (DOB: 2023). Unfortunately, it also claimed the life of Mrs. D.H.G. (DOB: 1992), the wife of Mr. L., all of whom resided in Ta Xua village.

Initial estimates suggest that approximately 50,000 cubic meters of soil were involved in the landslide, completely burying a business establishment consisting of 20 bungalows and partially burying another accommodation facility. Ten houses within the affected area were also at risk of being hit by falling rocks and soil.

The landslide also buried and severely damaged the road surface at Km13+600 of Provincial Road 112, causing traffic congestion. Currently, vehicles are unable to pass through this location. The total damage is estimated at VND 10 billion.

Immediately after the incident, the Bac Yen District Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control, and Search and Rescue directed specialized agencies and the People’s Committee of Ta Xua commune to mobilize approximately 300 people, including public security, military, and local forces, to search for victims. The two injured individuals were promptly rescued and brought to safety. By 7:45 a.m. on the same day, the body of the deceased victim was also recovered from the rubble.

It is worth noting that on August 4, a landslide had already occurred at this location, blocking traffic. Bac Yen district and Ta Xua commune had previously carried out propaganda and warning signposting, and the owner of the homestay and restaurant in the dangerous area had signed a commitment not to stay on the premises. However, the family stayed overnight at the homestay and unfortunately encountered the landslide.

Located at an altitude of over 2,800 meters above sea level, Ta Xua is one of the highest mountain peaks in Vietnam. With its cool climate all year round, it is a famous cloud-hunting destination that attracts many domestic and international tourists.