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| A fallen tree branch caused two deaths and three injuries last Friday morning. — VNA/VSN Photo |
HCM CITY — HCM City authorities will implement measures, including adoption of drone technology, to address the safety risks of falling trees following recent incidents.
The HCM City Green Tree and Park Company has proposed using drones to assess urban trees at risk of falling.
The company suggested renting a 40-metre vehicle to address any identified tree defects and specialised equipment for trimming problem branches in parks and along roadways.
A task force of engineers and specialists will conduct regular assessments, with training from a professional team in Singapore focused on trees over 20 years old.
Experts warned the rainy season (May-November) may worsen tree conditions due to urban development limiting their access to water and sunlight.
Residents are advised to avoid standing under trees or traveling during storms.
The company oversees nearly 100,000 trees and regularly inspects and removes those that are aging or diseased, although assessing tree stability can be challenging since some healthy-looking trees may still pose risks.
HCM City has recently faced multiple incidents of falling trees, leading to accidents.
Last Friday, a 10-metre branch fell on elderly exercisers in Tao Đàn Park, killing two people and injuring three, despite clear weather.
The victims, aged 60 to 62, died at the scene, and the branch showed no signs of disease.
Earlier, a 15-metre tree fell on a motorcyclist in District 3, while last month, a branch damaged a vehicle on Ngô Gia Tự Street.
The Department of Transport said there are over 122,650 trees in the city, with 6,000 needing urgent care. — VNS
