At approximately 9 a.m. on November 17th, a section of the Prenn Pass near the Datanla Waterfall area (Xuan Huong Ward, Da Lat) suddenly collapsed into the abyss. A portion of the road was deeply gouged, causing the retaining wall and railing to crumble. The asphalt surface separated, and the road foundation cracked and sank for several meters. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no casualties.
According to Mr. Nguyen Mau Ha, Chairman of the Xuan Huong Ward People’s Committee, heavy rainfall saturated the ground, leading to the landslide. Immediately after the incident, authorities erected barriers, temporarily closed the pass, and redirected traffic to the Mimosa Pass. Relevant agencies are currently surveying the area to devise a restoration plan.
The Prenn Pass, stretching over 7 kilometers, serves as a vital gateway connecting National Highway 20 to Da Lat. This route was recently upgraded to a four-lane road with an investment of over 550 billion VND and has been operational since early 2023.
Severe Landslide on Prenn Pass
Approximately 60 kilometers away, the Ngoan Muc Pass on National Highway 27 also experienced landslides due to heavy rain. Debris from the slopes spilled onto the road, uprooting trees and severing the route between Phan Rang and Da Lat. Traffic police from Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa provinces have blocked both ends of the pass, advising vehicles to avoid the area for at least 24–36 hours.
The Ngoan Muc Pass, also known as Song Pha, spans 18 kilometers and is the main route linking the coastal province of Ninh Thuan (no longer part of Khanh Hoa as previously referred to) with the Central Highlands. This route suffered a landslide in late October and remains at risk due to adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Khanh Le Pass on National Highway 27C, connecting Da Lat with Nha Trang, continues to face severe impacts from a major landslide on the night of November 16th. A passenger bus was buried, resulting in six fatalities and 19 injuries. New landslide points have emerged along this 33-kilometer route, causing prolonged traffic congestion.
The simultaneous disruptions on these three critical passes have significantly restricted access to Da Lat. Local authorities urge residents to monitor updates and choose alternative routes to ensure safety.
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