Red sand floods are a common occurrence in Binh Thuan, with experts citing heavy rainfall and urban infrastructure as the main causes. On May 21, a flood of red sand fell on coastal road 706 connecting Ham Tien – Mui Ne after heavy rain, leading to the burial of motorbikes, cars, and houses and forcing tourist areas to relocate visitors.
According to climate change expert Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Huy, extreme rainfall events like this can prevent water from seeping into the ground, causing sand floods. Sand has the ability to absorb water quickly, but when it is built up in urban areas, it can lead to flooding. Underground paths can help maintain the stability of sand dunes, but construction projects near the coast have disrupted these natural flows.
The construction of housing projects and tourist areas near the coast has caused problems with water flow. The structures built on sand obstruct underground water flows from sand dunes to the sea, leading to sand floods. Dr. Huy emphasized that allowing water circuits to operate freely is essential in preventing these types of natural disasters.
Infrastructure around hills can also act as barriers that prevent water from flowing naturally during heavy rainfall. This can cause the sand to become mushy and slide down due to water pressure. Master Nguyen Ngoc Thiep proposed planting trees on sand hills as a way to reduce the occurrence of sand floods by limiting their reach. Residents should be cautious and prioritize evacuation when these types of natural disasters occur.
Unpredictability is one of the challenges when it comes to forecasting red sand floods in specific locations. Authorities and residents need to consider natural characteristics when planning development projects in order
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