VietNamNet Bridge – Soil erosion is causing serious concern in the central province of Quang Ngai's island district of Ly Son, as nearly 400ha of land had been swept away in the last 36 years, according to local authorities.

A recent report from the district's Department of Infrastructure and Rural Development revealed that the island district's land area has shrank from almost 1,400ha in 1975 to a current 997ha. With 40ha alone destroyed by the powerful Typhoon Durian in 2009.

Department head Nguyen Van Le, confirmed land losses of an average of 10ha every year.

"The causes of this critical situation are strong tides and sand exploitation along the beaches," Le said.

Ly Son is well-known for its garlic production, with an estimated 20,000 local farmers making a living farming the bulb.

"Farmers are worried that their incomes are under threat, but are contributing to the devastation by exploiting coastal sand for use in their farming," Le said.

Around two hectares of land have been lost due to this reason.

Le said that ban on sand exploitation was issued five years ago, but it alone could not fully prevent the coast from exploitation.

However, the official insisted that high tidal waves were the main cause for the situation.

Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up public education to discourage locals from continuing to take coastal sand, and are conducting frequent inspections.

The official also added that local authorities were planning to build stone embankments and cultivate trees as a wind shield to prevent further erosion.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News