In a short span of time, seven large sinkholes have formed near residential areas and along National Highway 3B in Bac Kan province, seriously affecting local lives and safety.

Residents shaken as land collapses near homes

People in Hiep Luc village, Kim Lu commune, Na Ri district, Bac Kan, are living in fear after a series of sudden sinkholes appeared in recent weeks.

These large ground collapses have occurred dangerously close to homes and Highway 3B, causing severe disruption to both daily life and transportation.

At the home of Loc Thi Mai, a sinkhole suddenly opened just outside her gate, bringing down her fence and leaving large cracks on the house walls - even though the house was built only a few years ago.

Mai shared that while she has been evacuated from the danger zone with government support, much of her belongings and livestock remain at the house, so she returns during the day to tend to them.

“A hole opened right in front of my gate, tearing down the fence and cracking the house. I’ve lived here for decades and never seen anything like it. I still come back during the day because I can't just leave everything behind. But every time I hear a loud sound, I get scared the ground will cave in more,” Mai said. “I just hope a solution comes soon so we can live without fear.”

Sharing her concerns, Dam Van Viet, a longtime resident of the village, said this is the first time he has seen such an unusual phenomenon.

“I was born and raised here. Our family has lived on this land for generations, but I've never seen the ground break apart like this. First the rice fields sank, then even the highway started to subside. We’re very worried. I hope scientists will come, investigate, and explain what’s happening so we know how to protect ourselves,” he said.

Emergency evacuations as sinkholes continue to form

Between late March and early May 2025, multiple sinkholes were reported in Hiep Luc village. The ongoing incidents have forced dozens of families to evacuate urgently.

On March 24, two sinkholes appeared near the homes of Dam Van Viet and Loc Thi Mai. One measured about 3.5 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 4 meters deep; the other had a diameter of 1 meter and was about 1 meter deep. Minor subsidence was also recorded nearby, within a 5-meter radius and just 150 meters from Highway 3B.

On March 29, a major sinkhole formed in the median strip of Highway 3B (at Km80+050), right through the village. The sinkhole measured 7 meters long and 5 meters deep, with water at the bottom, posing a serious risk to traffic.

The next day, another sinkhole formed in a cornfield owned by Ly Thi Thuy, only 50 meters from the highway. It was 2.5 meters long and 10–15 centimeters deep.

On April 11, yet another large hole appeared in the field of Hoang Van Hieu, roughly 3 meters long and 7 meters deep, also just a few dozen meters from the highway.

The situation peaked on May 1, when two more sinkholes formed near previous sites on Highway 3B. One emerged near the home of Hoang Van Thuy, measuring 2–3 meters wide and 5–7 meters deep, with water at the bottom. The other opened near Dam Thi Hien’s fence, 5.5 meters wide and 5 meters deep, just 7 meters from her house.

21 households at risk; cause still unknown

According to official records, the phenomenon has affected 21 households, totaling 92 residents. About 12–15 hectares of agricultural land fall within the danger zone. So far, at least seven sinkholes have been documented, but the exact cause remains undetermined.

The Na Ri District People's Committee promptly directed Kim Lu commune and relevant agencies to inspect the area, set up warning barriers, and advise residents to stay alert and avoid dangerous zones.

In agricultural areas, locals have been urged to reduce movement and livestock grazing, conserve water, and consider switching crops temporarily to lower irrigation needs.

For sinkholes on Highway 3B, the district government coordinated with the Department of Construction and other agencies to redirect traffic, erect barriers, and temporarily fill holes with rocks. However, on March 30, the filled sinkhole at Km80+050 collapsed further, swallowing all the rocks and forcing a halt in repairs pending further evaluation.

Authorities declare emergency, begin geological surveys

Given the severity, on April 16, Na Ri district officials began onsite surveys in cooperation with the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, the Department of Construction, and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development).

On April 28, the district submitted a request to declare a state of emergency regarding the sinkhole crisis in Hiep Luc to facilitate urgent protective measures for residents.

At 9:34 PM on May 26, a motorbike speeding through the area crashed into a large sinkhole in the median of Highway 3B, in Kim Lu commune. Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment as the bike and rider plunged into the opening. Rescue teams are actively searching, but the victim has not yet been found.

Bao Khanh