On the afternoon of October 23, the Office of the Provincial Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue in Thua Thien Hue Province reported that Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Hoang Hai Minh, had signed a decision declaring an emergency due to coastal erosion at the border between Phu Thuan Commune (Phu Vang District) and Thuan An Ward (Hue City).

A series of natural disasters from September to October 2024, including heavy rain, strong winds at sea, high waves, tidal surges, and water rise from October 19 to 21, led to significant erosion along this coastal area.

Preliminary inspections and assessments by local authorities indicated that the eroded section extends approximately 1,000 meters, cutting 70 to 100 meters inland, posing safety risks to inter-communal roads, tourism service facilities, and local households.

A particularly severe 300-meter-long section near the border between Phu Thuan Commune (Phu Vang District) and Thuan An Ward (Hue City) has destroyed sidewalks and toppled casuarina trees along internal roads near the beach. The erosion continues to expand rapidly, stretching further and moving deeper inland.

In response to this emergency situation, and to mitigate the damages caused by natural disasters, the Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee has issued directives based on Article 12 of Decree No. 66/2021/ND-CP. Local authorities are instructed to mobilize forces and resources for constant monitoring at the erosion sites and implement timely measures to address the situation.

Authorities are to mobilize lawful resources to promptly handle the situation, limit further erosion, and ensure the absolute safety of lives and property for tourists and residents. Warning signs, danger zones, and patrols must be set up to guide and ensure safety for people in the affected areas.

The Provincial People's Committee also emphasizes the need to strengthen information dissemination, so tourists are aware of the ongoing coastal erosion risks and can take preventive measures. Regular updates on the situation should be provided to the Provincial People's Committee, the Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, and other relevant agencies for monitoring and direction.

The Chairman has instructed relevant units to urgently develop emergency response plans to prevent further coastal erosion. They are to review, finalize, and implement coordinated efforts with local governments and capable contractors to quickly execute the agreed-upon emergency measures.

Quang Thanh