The renowned "kissing rocks" of Vietnam, located in the heart of Ha Long Bay, face the imminent threat of collapsing, warns a recent report. Ha Long Bay, situated in Quang Ninh province, is adorned with numerous small islets that drew the attention of 4mn tourists in 2019. Among these islets, the twin rocks stand out as they emerge from the bay and appear to "kiss," making them a favored destination for visitors, BBC reports.
However, experts cautioned in a report released in July that the combination of rising sea levels and fishing vessels navigating too closely is causing erosion and deterioration of these rocks. Ho Tien Chung from Vietnam's Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources noted that unauthorized fishing activities and unregulated tourism are exacerbating the erosion process.
While conducting research for the report, workers observed a tourist boat stopping just 19m away from one of the islets. Profound cracks were noticed on the rocks, and experts issued a warning that without prompt intervention, these formations could crumble.
Ho Tien Chung explained that during low tide, tourists can witness the precarious condition of the rocks. The reduced water level exposes the vulnerable base of the rocks, which is gradually eroding, thereby elevating the risk of collapse if timely protective and reinforcement measures are not implemented.
Coastal erosion has long impacted the islets within the bay, and over recent years, several prominent tourist attractions have suffered significant damage due to the relentless force of the sea.
The report proposed a series of measures to counteract the impending threat. These include the introduction of new regulations for the bay, such as restricting boat speeds passing through it to a range of 5-10 km/h (3-6 mph). Furthermore, local fishermen should be incentivized to avoid fishing in proximity to the rocks to minimize disturbances. The report also suggested the insertion of cement into cracks in the islets to fortify their foundations.
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