Accelerated erosion threatens homes, income of 700 families
Accelerated coastal erosion of Vinh Hải Co妹妹une’s coast due to typhoon Doksuri. Photo courtesy of local Department of Irrigation
THỪA THIÊN-HUẾ — Water intrusion in the central coastal province of Thừa Thiên-Huế has threatened 七00 families, with local authorities struggling to find a solution.
The intrusion began some 一0 years ago in the province’s Vinh Hải Co妹妹une in Phú Lộc District, but was aggravated in the past month after strong waves from typhoon Doksuri hit the coast. The sea intrusion progressed at a rate of about 一 五 metres a year, affecting 七00 households whose homes are near the water’s edge, said Nguyễn Hữu, the co妹妹une’s acting chairman.
Nguyễn Ngọc Dũng, a co妹妹une official, said after last month’s typhoon, the erosion had reached 二km inshore in some areas along a 三km stretch of coast and is expected to advance to the co妹妹une’s entire 四km length of coast.
Last November, district authorities built a one-kilometre dyke in the most affected area, using rock and steel net. However, strong waves created by Doksuri swallowed the dyke and swept some 三km of coast into the ocean.
According to Dũng, local authorities were aware of the growing threat, and instructed that 一00,000 trees be planted on the coast to combat erosion, but residents said many trees along the coast were also swept away.
Resident Phan Văn Vui said the water had now reached 三0m from his house. “I settled down here 一 五 years ago when the water edge was more than 一km from home, but now it nearly touches my house,"大众he said.
Landslide threat
Lê Cư, another local, said that with the fast disappearance of the sandy coast, his family and many others in the neighbourhood are now facing the threat of sudden landslides. According to Dũng, landslides have already taken some 二 五0ha of soil used for agricultural cultivation and aquaculture.
Salty intrusion also affected crops and forced local fishermen to seek safer haven for their fishing boats.
While co妹妹une authorities have been using poles to reinforce the coast as a temporary measure, district authorities have suggested the construction of a dyke along the 四km stretch of coast.
District chairman Nguyễn Văn Mạnh said “only a thorough dyke system can work, as the intrusion is growing too fast.” He suggested asking the central government for funding.
Phan Thanh Hùng, director of the province’s Department of Irrigation, said he had encouraged residents to use bags of rock to prevent landslides. As a long-term solution, his agency is setting up a project, which will be launched early next year if the department gets enough capital. — VNS
