Brian Jeffrey
The Bac Kan Province People’s Committee has made the official decision to end the search for an individual presumed missing in a notorious “death sinkhole” located in Kim Lu Commune, Na Ri District, following over two weeks of fruitless efforts.
On June 12, the local government of Bac Kan announced its confirmation to cease the search for the individual thought to have fallen into the sinkhole in Kim Lu Commune, Na Ri District.
Previously, authorities in Bac Kan convened a meeting to deliberate on a request from the Na Ri District People’s Committee suggesting the halt of search and rescue missions at the sinkhole situated in Hiep Luc Hamlet, Kim Lu Commune.
During this meeting, officials from Na Ri District provided a report on the ongoing rescue efforts, highlighting the difficulties created by the challenging landscape and ongoing subsidence, which made the operations ineffective.
Representatives from the provincial police and military command also updated the assembly on their collaborative search initiatives.
After considering feedback from various agencies, Vice Chairman of the Bac Kan People’s Committee, Nong Quang Nhat, praised the commitment and diligence of all involved rescue teams. Despite employing the latest technology and techniques, the search did not yield any results. Additionally, the worsening land subsidence posed increased dangers for the rescuers.
In light of these assessments, the provincial government concurred with Na Ri District’s recommendation to stop all search operations for the presumed missing person at the Hiep Luc sinkhole.
The provincial government has also directed local agencies to keep watch and issue warnings at all active sinkhole sites in Kim Lu Commune, enforcing strict prohibitions against unauthorized entry into these hazardous areas. Additionally, the retrieval of equipment and vehicles used during the rescue missions must be executed swiftly, in conjunction with traffic management authorities to maintain safe passage in the vicinity.
Looking ahead, the Bac Kan People’s Committee has commissioned relevant technical agencies to work alongside the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, as well as other experts, to identify the causes of the subsidence. They will be expected to suggest effective and feasible solutions to restore safety and stability for local residents and their livelihoods.
The Department of Construction has also been tasked with collaborating with Na Ri District and other agencies to promptly address the sinkhole found at Km80+050 along National Highway 3B to ensure traffic safety.
Bao Khanh
