Yen Bai Province reported that following Typhoon No. 3 in September 2024, more than 1,000 homes in Yen Bai City suffered from landslides, resulting in over 1 million cubic meters of debris needing removal.

To ensure the well-being of residents, city officials permitted local communities to actively address landslides, clear debris, and protect property and lives.

Since late September, excavation and hauling efforts have led to increased dust pollution, with loose soil and rocks spilling onto roads during transportation.

On December 10, observers from VietNamNet noted extensive cleanup efforts in Nguyen Thai Hoc and Yen Ninh Wards of Yen Bai City. Many trucks were seen relocating soil and rocks from danger zones to assigned dump sites, leading to dusty conditions on sunny days and muddy roads during rainy spells.

Local resident Nguyen Thi Chinh, aged 60, expressed her worries: “There’s a talus cleanup site right by my home, and daily, trucks on Le Hong Phong Street kick up a lot of dust. While this work is necessary, I hope it wraps up soon so we can enjoy a cleaner, quieter environment again.”

Responding to community concerns, Bui Ngoc Giang, the chairman of the Nguyen Thai Hoc Ward People’s Committee, noted that 24 talus cleanup sites were initiated after Typhoon No. 3, with four sites currently in the works.

He stated, “We have instructed households and contractors to maintain traffic safety and cover trucks carrying soil and rocks. Although dust issues are inevitable, we’ve asked residents for patience until the cleanup is finished.”

As the Tet holiday (Lunar New Year 2025) approaches, the Yen Bai City People’s Committee has mandated that all cleanup and repairs be completed by December 31, 2024. Contractors are also required to restore construction sites and surrounding areas to their original state.

On December 17, Nguyen Ngoc Truc, chairman of the Yen Bai City People’s Committee, affirmed that landslide recovery efforts will be completed by year-end.

“Right after that, the city will initiate a thorough cleanup campaign to prepare for a clean and festive atmosphere for the Tet holiday,” Mr. Truc declared.

To prevent accidents and reduce traffic congestion from soil transportation, traffic officers have increased patrols on major routes. Contractors have also been advised to refrain from hauling soil during busy traffic times:

Morning: 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Noon: 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Evening: 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Despite these efforts, the extensive movement of soil and rocks since late September has resulted in significant dust buildup and street pollution, with debris often spilling over. The aftermath of Typhoon No. 3 has left a substantial amount of soil needing urgent and disruptive cleanup throughout Yen Bai City.