The mangrove forests were devastated after the big storm.

(Baohatinh.vn) - After two strong storms and the impact of many previous unfavorable factors, the mangrove forests - the "green shield" along the river mouths and large inlets of Ha Tinh - are becoming desolate and desolate.

Thach Ha Forest Protection Department staff check mangrove forests after the storm.

Hundreds of hectares of mangrove forests in the lower reaches of Nghen River (in Dong Kinh, Thach Ha, Loc Ha communes and Tran Phu ward) were severely damaged, of which about 8-10 hectares were completely destroyed. The once lush, vibrant forests are now desolate, with broken trunks, bare branches, and eroded roots. Many areas planted with mangroves, acacia, and barringtonia acutangula that were decades old in Cua Sot (1.5 hectares), near Ho Do bridge (2 hectares) and the outskirts of Thach Son, Thach Long, and Ho Do communes (old) were severely damaged.

Mr. Tran Van Nghia, Xuan Hoa village (Loc Ha commune) sadly said: “Our villages, fields, and aquaculture areas have been protected by mangrove forests for many years. After the storm, many trees were broken, their roots were uprooted, and water washed away large areas of forest. This is a precious forest, planted and protected for many years, if it is lost, it will be very difficult to restore. I hope that authorities at all levels and sectors will soon take action to protect the remaining area.”

Mai Phu commune people collect broken mangrove and sycamore trees.

According to Mr. Tran Huy Tam - a forest ranger in charge of the area (Thach Ha Forest Protection Department), the mangrove forests in the lower reaches of Nghen River were already eroded, and now the damage is even more severe after the two recent storms. We are coordinating with local authorities to count and assess the extent of the damage, and at the same time, mobilize people to clean up, take care of, and monitor the current situation to have appropriate solutions.

According to Mr. Tam, the restoration of mangrove forests is currently facing many difficulties. The forests have suffered great damage, the weather continues to be complicated; meanwhile, the forests are assigned to the community for management, do not bring direct economic benefits, so people do not really care for them.

Residents of Vinh Phu residential group (Tran Phu ward) were heartbroken when many areas of 25-30 year old mangrove forests were damaged after two consecutive storms.

Not only the Nghen River area but also the entire 690 hectares of coastal mangrove forests in Ha Tinh , especially in the four major river mouths of Cua Hoi, Cua Sot, Cua Nhuong, and Cua Khau, have been severely affected by storm No. 5, storm No. 10, and recent high tides. On average, each river mouth has 4-5 hectares of severely damaged forest (broken trunks, eroded roots, uprooted), especially in areas with strong winds and rapid currents. Recovery is slow due to many other unfavorable factors such as freshwater sources, harmful crustaceans, and tides washing away young trees.

Many areas of mangrove forests in Hai Ninh ward are desolate and devastated by storms.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Thang, Tam Hai residential group (Hai Ninh ward) shared: “The mangrove forest along Lach Khau is not only a wave-breaking wall, minimizing natural disasters, but also creates landscape and ecological environment. However, in recent years, the forest area has been eroded and gradually narrowed; after storms, the trees dry up and their vitality decreases. The revival will be very difficult, so it requires the cooperation of the whole community and all levels and sectors.”

Mangrove forests – the “green lungs” of coastal estuaries – are struggling after the storm. Timely attention and support from the government and people will be the key to the forest’s revival, continuing to play its role in protecting the environment and community livelihoods.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/nhung-canh-rung-ngap-man-xac-xo-sau-bao-lon-post297045.html