A devastating landslide struck a passenger bus on the perilous Khanh Le pass in Vietnam’s central highlands, resulting in six fatalities and injuring 19 others. The incident occurred late Sunday as the bus, carrying 32 passengers from Ho Chi Minh City, was en route from Da Lat to the coastal city of Nha Trang. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, buried the front of the bus, trapping numerous passengers and complicating rescue efforts. Rescuers faced significant challenges due to additional landslides that blocked access to the area, delaying their arrival until after midnight. Two bodies remain trapped under debris as the treacherous terrain continues to hinder recovery operations. The Khanh Le pass, a 33-kilometer stretch known for its scenic beauty and popularity among tourists, is particularly vulnerable to landslides during the rainy season. Meanwhile, central Vietnam braces for more heavy rain, with forecasts predicting up to 85 centimeters in some areas. This region, already battered by Typhoon Kalmaegi, has seen historic floods this year, exacerbating the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Vietnam, one of the world’s most flood-prone nations, faces increasing threats from climate change, which scientists warn is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, leading to more frequent and destructive floods and landslides.
Landslide strikes bus on mountain pass in Vietnam, killing 6, as heavy rain persists
