Authorities plan to use explosives to remove a 100-ton boulder blocking Khanh Le Pass on National Highway 27C. Landslides caused by prolonged rain have disrupted traffic between Nha Trang and Da Lat.

The decision was announced this morning (December 16) by Chu Van An, Acting Deputy Director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Transport. He outlined plans to address landslides on Khanh Le Pass in Khanh Vinh District.

According to Mr. An, landslides have dumped massive amounts of soil and rock onto National Highway 27C since yesterday. Early this morning, a 100-ton boulder fell onto the road at Kilometer 43+400 in Son Thai Commune, completely obstructing traffic.

“Specialized teams were deployed to handle the situation, but the sheer size of the boulder made conventional removal impossible. Explosives are the only option,” Mr. An said. He added that the detonation is scheduled for this afternoon, with traffic expected to resume by midday tomorrow.

In addition to the massive boulder, a large crack has appeared across the road at Kilometer 61+750, raising concerns about subsidence. The crack, which measures up to 20 centimeters wide, will be filled with concrete by Khanh Hoa Road Management and Construction JSC to ensure safety while longer-term measures are implemented.

Following heavy rainfall, several sections of National Highway 27C on Khanh Le Pass experienced severe landslides on December 15. Large amounts of debris cascaded onto the road, paralyzing traffic and leaving around 350 people stranded in various locations along the affected stretch.

Authorities from Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces had to traverse rugged terrain to deliver food and water to the stranded travelers.

By late evening, more than 350 people were evacuated from the hazardous area and transported to safety.

Hundreds of workers and vehicles have been mobilized to clear debris and ensure National Highway 27C is reopened as soon as possible.

Xuan Ngoc