The importance of Hue Monuments
In 1993, the Complex of Hue Monuments was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 410th in the World Heritage List and the first World Heritage Site in Vietnam to be honored. It includes many monuments, such as: Hue Imperial City, the massive royal tomb system, magnificent palaces and many other special works.
Therefore, in order to preserve and promote cultural values, Thua Thien - Hue province is focusing on promoting the restoration of historical and cultural relics, scenic spots, and environmental landscapes. At the same time, it is focusing on scientific research to promote the values of the local relic system.
Natural disasters are a challenge
Mr. Le Cong Son - Deputy Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center - said that after Tra Mi storm, there were no human casualties at the relic sites during the storm. The system of architectural works, artifacts, and assets at the relic sites were ensured to be safe, and no significant damage occurred. However, due to the impact of strong winds, the solar light bulbs at Hai Van Quan relic site fell off; some roofing panels covering the construction were blown away. In addition, some small trees fell, tilted, and small branches were stripped and broken. The system of ornamental plants at the relic sites was ensured to be safe.
According to Mr. Le Cong Son, the Complex of Hue Monuments with its massive architectural works, spread over a large area from the city to the suburbs, with many different terrains and topography, always faces many risks during the rainy season, storms and floods.
Recently, the weather has been extremely complicated, with strong storms and rains, making it more dangerous for the safety of relics than in previous years. On the other hand, heavy rains lasting for too many days have caused widespread flooding, causing many relic sites located in low-lying areas and riverside areas to be flooded and deeply inundated, such as: Nghinh Luong Dinh, An Dinh Palace, Lau Tang Tho, the entrance gates to the Royal Palace, Gia Long Tomb, Thieu Tri Tomb, Dong Khanh Tomb, etc.
Being soaked in water for a long time more or less affects the life of the structures, plus the continuous rainfall on the roof can increase the load, causing the wooden structures in the traditional architecture of Hue royal palaces; being affected by the high humidity environment, easily causing cracks, falling tiles, shifting positions... Therefore, if there is a strong storm, it can easily lead to the collapse of the structure if there is no optimal plan and solution for storm and flood prevention.
Mr. Le Cong Son informed that the Hue Monuments Conservation Center has developed a plan to prepare for the implementation of the 5 on-site motto (on-site command, on-site forces, on-site means, on-site supplies, on-site logistics) to ensure absolute safety for artifacts, relic works, property, supplies, houses, and green tree systems.
The Hue Monuments Conservation Center mobilizes forces to inspect and assess the status of monuments, warehouses, trees, materials, and assets before the storm season, propose and organize the implementation of preventive measures such as: bracing, anchoring, covering, placing, and supporting monument sites.
The Center's leaders and members of the Command Board for Disaster Prevention, Control and Search and Rescue regularly inspect the area and assign 24/7 duty to promptly handle any situations that arise.
