Week 8: Country’s Main Mass Movements

Vietnam’s Mass Wasting Hazards and Mitigation Efforts

Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to mass wasting hazards, including landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows, because of its varied geography, which includes coastal lowlands in the south and mountainous areas in the north. The country's monsoon climate, steep topography, and human activities like construction and deforestation are the main causes of these dangers. The risk of slope failures is increased during the rainy season (May to October), when excessive rainfall saturates the soil and causes mass wasting episodes.

Key Factors Contributing to Mass Wasting in Vietnam

Heavy Rainfall: The main cause of landslides and debris flows, particularly in hilly regions, is heavy and protracted rainfall during the monsoon season.

Steep Terrain: The steep slopes of northern Vietnam, which include areas like Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Son La, are prone to instability.

Deforestation: Extensive deforestation for urbanization and agriculture raises erosion and decreases soil stability.

Slope instability is made worse by human activities such as mining, infrastructure expansion, and inappropriate land use.

Earthquakes: While Vietnam does not experience many earthquakes, small tremors can occasionally cause landslides in areas that are susceptible.

Notable Mass Wasting Events

Devastating landslides caused by heavy rains in October 2020 killed over 100 people and displaced thousands more in central Vietnam, especially in the provinces of Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue.

A whole town was buried by a huge landslide in Hoa Binh province in 2017, underscoring the vulnerability of rural residents.

Vietnam’s Efforts to Prevent and Mitigate Mass Wasting Hazards

Early Warning Systems: In high-risk areas, especially in the north and center, Vietnam has established early warning systems for landslides. To anticipate possible landslides, these systems make use of soil moisture sensors, rainfall information, and weather forecasts. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) and the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority (VDMA) collaborate to keep an eye on and notify communities that are at risk.

Afforestation and Reforestation: Vietnam has started extensive reforestation initiatives, such as the Five Million Hectares Reforestation Project, to counteract soil erosion and deforestation. Slope stabilization and the restoration of native vegetation are the goals of these initiatives.

Infrastructure Improvements: In landslide-prone locations, the government has made investments in slope stabilization techniques such as drainage systems, gabions, and retaining walls. In mountainous areas, roads and highways are being improved to provide safe escape routes and to withstand landslides.

Community Awareness and Preparedness: Through seminars and drills, local communities receive training in evacuation techniques and education about the risks of landslides. To help locals understand their exposure to risks, the government provides risk maps to areas that are in danger.

International Cooperation: To improve disaster risk management and resilience, Vietnam works with international institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Enhancing early warning systems and community readiness is the main goal of initiatives like the Vietnam Disaster Risk Management Project.

Land Use Planning: In high-risk locations, the government imposes more stringent land use laws, restricting agricultural and construction operations on shaky slopes. Programs for relocation are put in place for communities residing in areas that are highly dangerous.


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