The sinkholes started appearing in the Pai hamlet area more than 10 years ago. At that time, the holes were about 2 meters deep and 0.8 square meters in area. People filled the holes to continue farming.
During the historic flood in September 2024, the amount of water pouring down from Nan Mountain caused the Cho Chu River to rise. In the area around Mr. Nguyen Huu Hoa's house (Pai hamlet, Phuong Tien commune), 6 more sinkholes appeared, with an area of 3-10 m2; depth of 3-5 m.
"Previously, there were a few sinkholes, but after the recent flood, there were more. Near the family's kitchen, there was a sinkhole about 1 square meter wide and 1.5 meters deep. In the garden, there was a sinkhole nearly 10 square meters wide and more than 5 meters deep.
The appearance of so many deep sinkholes makes people very worried. Especially on rainy days," said Mr. Hoa.
According to Mr. Hoa, in an area of about 2,000 m2, there are 9 sinkholes. Of these, 2 have been filled in for farming, and the remaining 7 have been cordoned off. Because of concerns, the family had to move to another area to build a new house.
On December 8, speaking with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Hoang Van Anh - Chairman of Phuong Tien Commune People's Committee - said that some of the sinkholes had appeared many years ago. After inspection and assessment, they were not dangerous, so the locality mobilized people to fill them up for farming. Recently, when sinkholes continued to appear, the locality put up warning ropes to ensure safety.
According to a leader of the Dinh Hoa District People's Committee, when the sinkholes appeared, the locality reported and coordinated with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to inspect. The assessment results showed that the sinkholes were not caused by earthquake aftershocks or human impact. This area has underground drainage systems, the District People's Committee has directed Phuong Tien commune to closely monitor and promptly report to have plans to ensure safety.
"Sinkholes in the Pai hamlet area are increasingly appearing, especially after the recent floods. Authorities are continuing to inspect and evaluate the geological structure to come up with a plan to ensure safety.
People living near the subsidence area need to pay attention and proactively evacuate temporarily when they see unusual signs, especially during times of heavy rain," the leader added.
