Once hailed as one of the most alluring beaches in the world, My Khe Beach in Da Nang now lies battered by waves, with severe erosion threatening businesses and local livelihoods.
As of December 31, areas along Vo Nguyen Giap Street, including My Khe Beach, have experienced significant encroachment by the sea.More than 100 meters of coastline in Phuoc My Ward, Son Tra District, have been eroded, with waves cutting deep into the shore and collapsing sections of the coastal embankment. This area, known for its concentration of hotels and tourist attractions, now lies in disarray, with lifeguard stations at risk of collapse and several businesses severely impacted.Lifeguard teams from the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Beach Management Board have relocated to safer positions. The teams work around the clock to prevent tourists from entering the hazardous areas.Several beachfront kiosks and businesses have been destroyed, with significant damage to assets.Ms. Dang Thi Lien, a local business owner, described how strong waves overnight swept away many of her restaurant’s items.Lifeguard Mr. Duong Van Be noted that this is the first severe encroachment in six years, with erosion intensifying during high tides at night.The waves have formed deep hollows, destabilizing the coastline. Coconut trees and infrastructure have collapsed into the sea, further aggravating the damage.In the photo, authorities are relocating fallen and uprooted trees.Large coconut trees with exposed roots, battered by the waves, stand precariously on the Man Thai beach, near Pham Van Dong Street.
According to Mr. Phan Minh Hai, Deputy Director of the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Beach Management Board, waves have penetrated 15-20 meters inland, affecting three businesses and damaging the surrounding area.
Efforts have been made to stabilize the situation, including relocating vulnerable coconut trees and advising businesses to prepare for further erosion risks.
The erosion extends along the Hoang Sa–Vo Nguyen Giap–Truong Sa coastal road, impacting areas near major intersections and landmarks, such as the T20 Army Guesthouse, the Tourane Hotel, and Hau Sua Restaurant.
The Board has reported these issues to the relevant authorities, citing the effects of a strong northeast monsoon and extreme weather events in late December.
Recommendations include studying the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on Da Nang’s coastline and implementing long-term measures to mitigate erosion.
Efforts to relocate fallen trees and prevent further damage are ongoing. At Man Thai and Pham Van Dong beaches, large coconut trees now lie exposed, their roots loosened by relentless waves.