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| Machinery deployed to clear landslides in Cao Bằng Province in recent days. — VNA/VNS Photo Nông Văn Đạt |
CAO BẰNG — Cao Bằng Province has managed to clear traffic congestion points, ensuring smooth travel for residents after Typhoon Yagi caused landslides in more than 1,000 locations along national and provincial highways.
Thanks to extensive efforts, the province’s traffic system has been significantly improved.
The provincial Department of Transport (DoT) has also allowed the resumption of intra-provincial and inter-provincial passenger transport to facilitate the delivery of relief goods and help rebuild the local economy.
According to preliminary statistics, Typhoon Yagi caused more than 1,130 landslides on national and provincial highways under the DoT’s management.
There were also numerous landslides on inter-district and inter-commune roads, many of which were substantial, leading to severe traffic disruptions.
Nguyên Bình, Bảo Lạc, and Bảo Lâm districts, along with several communes, remain isolated, complicating rescue and relief operations.
Lê Văn Định, Director of the DoT, stated that in response to the situation, the department directed the Road Maintenance Management Board and contractors to deploy personnel and equipment to clear landslides and reopen roads to the public.
They have also erected warning barriers, removed fallen trees, and stationed guards at major landslide sites to prevent further traffic issues and guide vehicles safely.
However, due to a shortage of machinery and workers, combined with the scale of the task, progress has been slow.
In some areas, large boulders have rolled onto the roads, blocking passage. These obstacles cannot be cleared with machinery and require controlled blasting.
The blasting process is complicated, as it requires approval from multiple authorities, significantly delaying the clearance of landslide-affected roads.
Currently, landslide sites have been temporarily cleared, but the full restoration of the traffic system will depend on favourable weather conditions and other necessary factors.
The DoT is committed to allocating sufficient personnel and equipment to complete the clean-up, Định added.
Regarding search and rescue efforts, authorities are working urgently to recover the deceased in Nguyên Bình District.
On Sunday, the rescue team recovered two more bodies in the landslide at Khuổi Ngoạ Village, Ca Thành Commune. Two individuals remain missing. — VNS
