70 families evacuated over risk of dam collapse in Vietnam’s Lam Dong

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment reported that an inspection found a 50-meter-long crack, about 0.5 meters wide and one meter deep, at the base of the dam.

Officials warned that the structure could fail if heavy rain continues in the coming days.

Emergency crews worked overnight to reinforce the dam by driving stakes, pumping water to reduce pressure, and preparing sandbags for use in a potential breach.

Evacuation began at around 8:30 pm, with residents from Chan Rang Hao and Tou Nhe hamlets moved to schools, religious facilities, and homes in safer areas.

By 2:00 pm the same day, the water level in the Cay An reservoir had reached the overflow threshold, raising the risk of a dam break or strong downstream flooding.

Local authorities instructed residents to avoid grazing livestock, swimming, or fishing near the reservoir and to relocate people and belongings from flood-prone zones.

Officials said the situation worsened after fissures appeared on the left side of the main dam the past few weeks and allowed groundwater to seep through the foundation.

Other sections showed signs of leakage, putting the structure in a dangerous state that required immediate action to protect downstream communities.

Police, militia, and local officials were mobilized to assist with evacuations, deliver supplies, and maintain round-the-clock watch at the site.

Crews have also reinforced parts of the dam with tarpaulins to reduce erosion and water seepage.

As of 10:00 pm, the provincial Military Command had deployed 150 soldiers and 50 local militiamen to the site to help secure the dam and support evacuation efforts.

Built in 2007, the Cay An reservoir provides irrigation water for about 250 hectares of farmland in Ta Nang Commune.