A landslide occurred along Tra Noc River, Can Tho City, last Saturday, causing 13 houses to fall in the river.

The landslide occurred early Saturday morning, destroying 13 houses along Le Thi Hong Gam Street, Tra Noc Ward, over a length of about 70m.

No deaths have been reported.

Phan Anh, a resident, said the landslide happened very quickly, in only about 10-15 minutes, causing his and his neighbour's house to fall in the river.

He hired divers to salvage furniture but only picked up a few iron sheets and some rafters of the house due to the deep erosion.

Locals said that erosion along the Tra Noc River has happened for many years, causing cracks on the walls and land but this was the most serious damage.

Dinh Thi Luyen, who lived in this area since 2000, said that her family moved to another place due to fear of landslides that could destroy her house.

Nguyen Quy Ninh, director of the Irrigation Sub-Department, said its officers went to the scene to survey the damage and develop a plan to support each specific case.

The maximum amount for each household affected by landslides is expected to be VND20 million (US$860), said Ninh.

The city's steering committee for disaster prevention and search and rescue is working with local authorities to implement solutions and study a long-term plan to ensure safety for locals.  VNS

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