Gia Lai: Urgently overcome the consequences of storms and floods at historical and cultural relics

(GLO)- After two consecutive natural disasters in the eastern part of the province, the landscape and infrastructure at many historical and cultural relics and the provincial museum were significantly affected. Work to repair damage and ensure the safety of structures and artifacts has been and is being carried out.

Gia Lai Provincial Museum staff check the artifact warehouses after the storm. Photo: Ngoc Nhuan

Storms and floods have damaged several items in the grounds of the relics: Twin Towers (Quy Nhon Ward), Banh It Tower (Tuy Phuoc Bac Commune), Canh Tien Tower (An Nhon Ward). Meanwhile, the roof of the Nui Ba Victory Monument (Cat Tien Commune) was blown off the church, and some stone slabs of the main statue were broken...

Gia Lai Provincial Museum (Quy Nhon Ward) also had part of its corrugated iron roof, the ceiling of the exhibition area and the artifact warehouses blown away. In addition, rainwater seeped into the walls and flowed into some warehouses and exhibition rooms.

Mr. Bui Tinh, Director of the Provincial Museum, said: “We go to each relic assigned to our management to inspect and assess the level of impact; especially the system of ancient Cham tower relics which is very vulnerable to storms. Thereby, we consult the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to report to the Provincial People's Committee to allocate funds to repair essential infrastructure.”

In addition to the landscape and infrastructure of the relics, the preservation of artifacts is considered an urgent task. At the Provincial Museum, the archives and original artifact exhibition areas are preserving thousands of documents and artifacts related to the history and culture of the province. After the storm, there was a prolonged period of heavy rain, causing high humidity, some exhibition rooms were leaking, posing a risk of mold and oxidation affecting artifacts, especially those on paper, fabric, metal, and wood.

Ms. Hoang Yen - Head of the Professional Department (Provincial Museum) said: "Before the storm, we brought vulnerable artifacts to storage in warehouses with concrete ceilings, carefully wrapped and packaged them to avoid mold. During the rainy season, we have solutions to ensure the safety of artifacts - the soul of the museum."

After the storm, the professional department re-checked the warehouses and exhibition areas. Artifacts at risk of mold were separated and treated to ensure safety; at the same time, the display cabinets were checked to avoid being affected by leaks, and the exhibition areas were cleaned to serve visitors.

Provincial Museum staff inspect the display cabinets. Photo: Ngoc Nhuan

At the Twin Towers relic site, many trees were uprooted, causing damage to the lighting system and decorative lights. The relic management force has urgently cleaned up and overcome the consequences of the storm.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh - Head of the Provincial Museum's Department of Monument Management and Promotion (the unit directly responsible for the Twin Towers) said: "Before the storm, we trimmed the trees in the Twin Towers relic site and assigned a force to be on duty to protect the relic. After the storm, we focused on cleaning the landscape, replanting fallen trees, repairing the lighting system, and quickly renovating the relic site."

At Banh It Tower, Canh Tien Tower, Hoang De Citadel, and Ba Mountain Victory Monument, the Provincial Museum has been and is implementing temporary repairs to the damage caused by storms and rain. Mr. Bui Tinh added: “We are handling the situation step by step, prioritizing the safety of the monument before reopening to welcome visitors. However, with serious damage such as the broken dragon relief at the gate of the Hoang De Citadel or the damaged items at the Ba Mountain Victory Monument, we must wait for funding and instructions from the province to repair it in accordance with regulations for monuments.”

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/gia-lai-khan-truong-khac-phuc-hau-qua-bao-lu-tai-cac-di-tich-lich-su-van-hoa-post573308.html