Phìn Hồ B village, located in Si Pa Phìn commune, Điện Biên province, is one of the “hotspots” facing high disaster risk. The village is home to 22 households with 118 people, all living in a valley area beneath hills prone to landslides. According to Si Pa Phìn authorities, over five large cracks and subsidence spots have been found in the hills above the village. Some cracks extend more than 150 meters and sink over 1 meter deep, causing severe damage to the concrete road above.

Being identified as a high-risk area, Phìn Hồ B village is among four locations proposed by the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee for urgent resettlement projects in 2024, aimed at relocating communities affected by natural disasters.

Lê Hồng Thắng, Acting Director of the Project Management and Land Development Board of Region 5, said that the project owner has worked with relevant departments to finalize and submit the resettlement project documents to the Department of Construction for approval. The proposed resettlement site is located on the opposite hillside, higher in elevation, with good drainage and within accessible distance from the current village. However, the biggest challenge is site clearance, as the proposed site is on land owned by nine households, three of which have not agreed with the investment policy. At present, the board is working closely with local authorities to promote communication and consensus, aiming for smooth and timely project implementation.

According to Si Pa Phìn commune leaders, right from the beginning of the rainy season, they have launched awareness campaigns and issued warnings to residents in landslide-prone areas. The commune has been actively monitoring the situation and encouraging households with available land to relocate before the rains. So far, of the 22 households in the village, five have already moved to safer areas, and three more have prepared new plots and are in the process of relocating.

Thào A Lồng, a resident of Phìn Hồ B, shared: “My family and the families of my two sons live right along the road that’s been cracked by falling rocks and soil. Whenever it rains heavily, especially at night, we can’t sleep. In March, after being advised by the commune and having land available just 500 meters from the village, my family decided to relocate. We’ve completed the move, ensuring our safety and protecting our belongings for the rainy season.”

While some families have managed to relocate, others remain in their original homes, staying alert under the threat of heavy rains and deep cracks above their village. In this situation, local authorities are doing their best to ensure community safety.

Lê Quang Trinh, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Si Pa Phìn commune, said: “The landslide-prone area in Phìn Hồ B is closely monitored by the local government. We continuously urge people to stay vigilant. To protect lives and essential property, in mid-July, we mobilized police, border guards, militias, and local residents to assist with evacuation and temporary shelter arrangements. Contingency plans are also in place to help dismantle homes if needed to safeguard property during the flood season.”