After a devastating flood swept through Chut Village in Van Ban commune, Lao Cai province, more than 100,000 cubic meters of golden sand were left behind, transforming a peaceful mountain village into what locals call a "sea of sand." With an estimated value of over USD 1.2 million, the natural deposit is now under tight surveillance, while authorities race to recover both the land and the resource.

In late September and early October, Typhoon No. 10 triggered violent flash floods that inundated the village, submerging 30 homes and severely damaging essential infrastructure.

When the waters receded, the destruction was compounded by the presence of thick, golden-hued sand that blanketed rooftops, rice fields, and even entire roadways.

Several stream sections, including the vital Chut stream that irrigates the village’s farmland, were blocked, altering the water flow and reducing stream depth.

According to the Van Ban Commune People’s Committee, the golden sand deposit affected about 50 households, displacing roughly 200 residents. Many had to abandon their homes, now buried under 2–3 meters of sand.

Vu Xuan Thuy, chairman of the commune, said the sand compromised about 50% of the structural integrity of homes. Despite the extensive damage, affected households have not yet qualified for disaster relief under current regulations.

“We’ve never seen anything like it,” said Hoang Van Canh, a 38-year-old resident. “The floodwaters rose fast and carried everything with them - sand, trees, debris. Even after days of cleaning, the whole village is still buried.”

Canh’s stilt house was overwhelmed by about 1 meter of sand. He is now forced to dig out sections of his foundation to protect against termite damage.

Others have taken shelter in makeshift huts on higher ground, awaiting government intervention.

For elderly residents like Ms. Yeu, the loss is personal and painful. “Both my house and my son’s are buried,” she said. “We just hope the authorities can help remove the sand soon so we can return to farming.”

According to Thuy, the sand is currently valued at between VND 300,000 to 350,000 per cubic meter (USD 12–14), bringing the total deposit’s estimated worth to USD 1.2 to 1.4 million.

But the presence of this so-called “gold mine” is a double-edged sword.

“If left in place, the sand will not only waste a valuable resource but also pose a long-term risk by altering stream flows and worsening future floods,” said Thuy.

The commune has proposed that the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee formally license and auction the sand deposit.

However, Thuy noted that transportation is a major obstacle. Village roads are narrow and cannot support heavy trucks, raising concerns about safety and daily life disruptions.

In response, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has approved an emergency plan classifying the sand as a natural disaster byproduct.

Under this plan, local authorities are permitted to excavate, redistribute, and store the sand at three designated collection sites.

The excavation process is tightly controlled.

All vehicles involved in transport are registered and tracked. The commune has formed a 10-member task force, including local police, to monitor the sand’s movement and guard the storage areas.

Each site is equipped with 24/7 surveillance cameras to prevent unauthorized access and ensure no losses occur.

Once the sand has been completely collected and inventoried, relevant provincial departments will conduct a public auction, with all proceeds transferred to the state budget.

Despite progress, daily life in Chut Village remains disrupted. Access roads are still choked with dust and debris, and many villagers are living in temporary shelters.

The police have also taken steps to address misinformation. In response to social media rumors about unauthorized sand mining, Van Ban police confirmed that no permits have been issued and warned against spreading false information.

Officers have even summoned individuals who posted misleading claims for questioning and issued public warnings that anyone exploiting the disaster for personal gain will be prosecuted.

“We’re working closely with all departments to ensure the sand is handled legally, fairly, and securely,” Thuy confirmed.

While Chut Village residents wait for the sand to be removed and their lives restored, they remain resilient - holding out hope that their misfortune might yet bring a path to recovery.

Duc Hoang