Many parts of the 70km coastline from Vung Tau to Xuyen Moc in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau have been swallowed by seawaters, said local authorities.

>> Ca Mau loses 1.5km of land to sea over 40 yrs

According to the Department of Science and Technology of Vung Tau, the six affected areas are Trai Nhai, Phuoc Hai, Loc An, Ho Tram – Ho Coc, Binh Chau, and Ba Kiem.

They said that the coastal erosion has affected local communities and tourism development. 

The worst case has been recorded in Trai Nhai as thousands of meters of coastline in the area have been eroding. Nearby Phuoc Hai sees an estimated 10 to 25 meters of land swallowed by seawaters per year.

The encroachment of the sea also threatens many luxury resorts located from Loc An to Ho Tram – Ho Coc.

According to local authorities, the encroaching sea is caused by high tides, rising sea levels, and the illegal exploitation of sand among others.