Erosion threatens Lý Sơn Island sites

QUẢNG NGÃI — Serious erosion has been found at several spots around two favourite destinations – the Đục Pagoda and Giếng Tiền Mountain – on Lý Sơn Island, 30km off the coast of the central province of Quảng Ngãi.

The district’s party secretary, Nguyễn Viết Vy, told Việt Nam News that the latest inspections at the two sites showed a large amount of soil and rocks had eroded when Typhoon Damrey struck on November 3, damaging a section of the yard of Đục Pagoda, and disturbing rocks on the mountain side of Giếng Tiền.

Vy said the rocks on the mountain side could fall at any time, while the pagoda area will likely see more erosion.

He said the island district had banned all visitors from approaching the pagoda and the mountain area.

The district also asked for emergency support from the provincial administration and relevant agencies to make quick repairs at the erosion sites.

Lý Sơn Island, where researchers have been compiling scientific data and documents to cement the area’s status as a national and Global Geopark, hosts more than 200,000 tourists each year.

The island was formed 250 million years ago by four volcanoes, which are now dormant.

A large coral reef complex and stone arch lie in the water off the coast of the island.

The island has 21,000 inhabitants, most of whom survive by farming garlic and onions and fishing. The island produces 3,500 tonnes of onions and 2,000 tonnes of garlic each year. — VNS