DA LAT, VIETNAM – A horrific landslide struck a coffee shop in the popular mountain resort town of Da Lat this afternoon, August 15, 2025, burying several people and leaving two dead in the tragic incident.
The disaster occurred at a café located on Hoang Hoa Tham Street, an area known for its scenic views and steep hillsides. According to witnesses and local reports, a large earthen retaining wall (known locally as a taluy) situated directly behind the property suddenly gave way, sending tons of soil, rock, and debris crashing down onto the establishment.
Emergency services, including search and rescue teams and military personnel, were immediately dispatched to the scene to navigate the unstable rubble and search for victims believed to be trapped. The area was quickly cordoned off as rescuers frantically worked against time.
After intensive search efforts, authorities confirmed the tragic outcome. The bodies of two victims were recovered from beneath the debris. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released pending notification of their families.
"The recovery and cleanup operations are being carried out urgently," a local official at the scene stated. "Our current focus is on securing the site to prevent any further collapse and investigating the cause of this terrible event."
Da Lat, located in Vietnam's Central Highlands, is famous for its hilly terrain and pine forests. However, this geography also makes it susceptible to landslides, particularly during the rainy season when the soil becomes heavily saturated. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the embankment's failure, with heavy rainfall being considered a likely contributing factor. The structural integrity of the retaining wall will also be a key part of the inquiry.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community and serves as a grim reminder of the natural dangers present in the mountainous region.
