Emergency Declaration Issued as Coastal Erosion Hits Hoi An, Quang Nam

Emergency Response to Coastal Erosion in Quang Nam

The People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province has declared a state of emergency due to severe coastal erosion at Tan Thanh beach located in Cam An Ward, Hoi An City. The decision was signed by Deputy Chairman Ho Quang Buu.

This erosion has been exacerbated by strong northeastern monsoon winds and tidal surges, leading to substantial damage to the Tan Thanh coastline.

Temporary protective structures in the area have been compromised, and a significant quantity of sand has been eroded away.

The affected stretch of coastline measures about 225 meters in length, with a depth of 5 to 7 meters, infringing upon land areas and posing risks to homes, infrastructure, and local businesses.

Local Authorities’ Actions

In response to this crisis, Hoi An City officials have been directed to:

• Put up warning signs and barriers to restrict access to dangerous areas.
• Station guards to prevent entry by residents and tourists into hazardous zones.
• Quickly implement measures to reduce damage and maintain public safety.

In the meantime, residents and local business owners have begun purchasing sand and assembling large sandbags to form temporary barriers in efforts to safeguard their properties from the encroaching sea.

Coastal erosion has been a longstanding issue along Hoi An’s 7.5-kilometer shoreline, which has seen an increase in both the frequency and intensity of damage over the years.

Authorities have invested significant funds into various protective initiatives, including hard embankments, soft barriers, and submerged wave-breaking structures.

Despite these extensive efforts, ongoing natural forces continue to cause substantial damage to numerous areas along Hoi An’s coastline.