Nha Trang City, Vietnam

During a heavy rain on November 18, 2018, a reservoir at the high end Hoang Phu housing project in Vinh Hoa Ward broke down, causing a flash flood to the residential quarters nearby. Four people were killed and nine houses collapsed.

The Khanh Hoa provincial authorities summoned an urgent meeting. One day later, the provincial construction department released a decision to stop the project.

The illegally built project has existed for seven years, but state management agencies have not imposed punishment.

The provincial management agencies discovered landslides in two other projects – Haborizon Nha Trang and Nha Trang Sea Park – during the construction.

Cracks and breaks in the wall of embankments at Marina Hill, a villa block in Vinh Ngoc Commune, threatening residential quarters, were discovered. Eighteen households and nearly 100 people had to evacuate.

When cracks appeared in October 2018, tens of local residents reported the case to the local authorities. However, the problem was not settled. Only when a breakdown occurred did the provincial construction department confirm that the 12 meter wall had been illegally built. The investor was asked to remove it.

According to the department, seven projects on hills and mountains are under execution, and other projects are under discussion.

The Khanh Hoa provincial Planning & Investment Department said in the Co Tien Mountain area in Vinh Hoa Ward alone that 20 projects have construction sites or have received licenses.

Chin Khuc, another mountain in Vinh Thai commune, also has a series of projects, some of which are nearly completed, while others are in the site clearance stage.

Nguyen Van Loc, chair of the Khanh Hoa provincial Architect Association, said Nha Trang is like a valley with surrounding high mountains and facing the sea. Because of the weak ground, when investors build villas and resorts, landslides can occur. 

“Rocks are hung high above, and heavy rains pour down. These, plus flash floods, have caused disasters,” he explained, niting the disaster in Co Tien Mountain area last November.

Nguyen Tran Trong from the Quang Ngai provincial Architect Association said it is necessary to respect natural terrain and follow special principles when implementing construction works in mountainous areas.

Chair of Khanh Hoa province Le Duc Vinh took responsibility for the unlicensed construction works, saying that local authorities will examine the projects on hills and mountains and apply measures to settle the problems.  

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