Erosion along the bank of the Ong Chuong River in southern An Giang Province’s Cho Moi District caused the rear of 10 houses to collapse into the river on Sunday.
Residents heard a loud noise coming from their kitchens in the back at around 7 a.m. and immediately fled their homes.
Within moments, the riverbank collapsed, sending the overhanging rear sections of 10 adjacent houses into the river.
The scene of an erosion that swallowed 10 houses in An Giang Province. Video provided by local residents
Cu Minh Trong, chairman of the district People’s Committee, said the eroded section spanned about 70 meters and affected 10 houses, though no one was injured.
“This section of the river has many sharp bends and is frequently impacted by large-capacity boats and barges,” Trong said.
Local authorities said the damage was initially estimated at about VND2 billion (US$77,150) and the eroded area was part of a 200-meter stretch of riverbank previously deemed at risk of collapse.
Although the erosion did not sink entire houses, local authorities have urged affected families to temporarily relocate and stay with relatives because of the high safety risk.
They have also assisted residents in moving their belongings and arranged temporary accommodation in public buildings for those without shelter.
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The rear of 10 houses collapse into the river due to erosion in An Giang Province, May 18, 2025. Photo by Vu Le |
For the time being, each affected family was given VND2 million to help recover from the incident.
“In the long run, the district is researching a plan to build an embankment to protect the residential area and the nearby road,” Trong said.
The Ong Chuong River, a branch connecting the Tien River and Hau River in the Mekong Delta, stretches more than 20 kilometers and runs through Cho Moi District. Due to its winding terrain, erosion and landslides frequently occur in this area.
