Landslide at Hydropower Plant in Lao Cai Leaves One Missing
A landslide caused by heavy rain at the My Hang Tau hydropower plant in Lao Cai has resulted in one person

As the rainy season draws near, Thanh Hoa province is taking urgent steps to relocate residents from areas prone to landslides. The local government is accelerating resettlement plans to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the affected populations.
In Quan Son district, recent landslide incidents have escalated, damaging homes and infrastructure. Authorities have already evacuated 17 households, totaling 60 individuals, from areas deemed unsafe. Additionally, three households with eight residents were moved from the Thanh Son village due to ongoing landslide risks.
According to Vi Thi Trong, the Chairwoman of the Quan Son People's Committee, the provincial government declared a state of emergency on August 18 in response to the worsening landslide situation. Local officials are actively identifying high-risk areas, setting up barriers, and placing warning signs. They have also deployed 24-hour monitoring teams ready to evacuate residents if conditions worsen.
In addition to immediate response measures, establishing new housing for residents unable to return to landslide-prone areas has become a pressing requirement. Currently, three resettlement sites—Bon village, area 5, and Bach village—await investment approval. Addressing procedural challenges and securing resources for these resettlement projects is considered urgent, especially as heavy rains could further increase landslide risks.
Not only in Quan Son, but many other mountainous regions in Thanh Hoa are also implementing plans to stabilize communities and gradually move residents away from disaster-prone areas. In Trung Ha commune, 43 households from Muong village have already been relocated to safer locations. The Chiềng Xầy resettlement area has completed compensation and land clearance, with construction expected to start in August 2026. In Muong Min commune, 64 out of 81 households from Luoc Lau and Min villages have been allocated land for new homes.
Nguyen Duc Cuong, Deputy Director of the Thanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that the mountainous areas are highly susceptible to flash floods and landslides during the rainy season. Therefore, localities must continue to assess vulnerable communities, expedite resettlement projects, and proactively evacuate residents at the first sign of danger. Relocating people from disaster-prone areas is not only crucial for immediate safety but also provides a long-term solution for stable living conditions, allowing residents to improve their livelihoods and build new lives.