A tragic landslide in Vietnam has resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to 19 others after a passenger bus was buried while navigating a perilous mountain pass. The incident occurred late on Sunday at the Khanh Le Pass, a popular but hazardous route in the central highlands, according to state media.
The 33-kilometer stretch of road is known for its stunning views, attracting tourists year-round, but is particularly susceptible to landslides during the rainy season. As the bus was traversing the area, earth and rocks collapsed onto the vehicle, crushing its front and trapping several passengers inside.
Rescue efforts were severely hampered due to ongoing heavy rainfall, which had already caused additional landslides on both sides of the pass, cutting off access to the site. Rescuers were not able to reach the bus until after midnight, as reported by local media. The bus was transporting a total of 32 people from Ho Chi Minh City to the coastal city of Nha Trang, having departed from Da Lat in the central highlands.
Emergency medical teams transported the injured to a nearby hospital, but the situation remains dire as reports indicate that two deceased individuals remain trapped under the debris. The treacherous terrain complicates recovery efforts, with rescuers facing ongoing challenges from the rain.
Heavy rain has been affecting central Vietnam, which had previously endured significant impacts from Typhoon Kalmaegi. Forecasts predict that rainfall amounts could reach between 30 and 60 centimeters in some areas, with certain locations potentially exceeding 85 centimeters through Wednesday.
Vietnam is recognized as one of the most flood-prone countries in the world, with almost half of its population residing in high-risk areas. Scientific studies indicate that climate change is exacerbating the severity and frequency of storms and rainfall in Southeast Asia, leading to increasingly destructive floods and landslides.
In a related incident, heavy rains have also triggered landslides in Indonesia’s Central Java province, resulting in at least 18 deaths. Authorities reported that a landslide in the city of Cilacap last week buried several homes, killing at least 16 people while leaving seven others missing. Additionally, two fatalities and 27 missing persons were reported following another landslide in the Banjarnegara region on Saturday.
As rescue operations continue in both Vietnam and Indonesia, the urgent need for effective disaster management in response to severe weather events has never been more critical.
