The famed ‘kissing rocks’ nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay are facing a grave threat of collapse, according to a recent report. Ha Long Bay, renowned for its array of enchanting islets, drew 4 million visitors in 2019.
The two iconic rocks, which gracefully emerge from the bay and appear to lean in for a kiss, have captivated tourists’ hearts for years.
However, experts sounded the alarm in a July report, cautioning that the combined effects of rising sea levels and proximity to passing fishing vessels are causing rapid erosion of these natural wonders.
Vietnam‘s Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, represented by Ho Tien Chung, pointed out that the erosion process has expedited by unlawful fishing practices and unregulated tourism.
Shockingly, during the institute’s research for the report, workers witnessed a tourist boat anchoring just 19 meters away from the delicate islets.
The report highlighted the emergence of deep cracks snaking across the kissing rocks, underscoring the potential for their collapse if immediate preservation measures undertaken.
To avert this impending disaster, the report recommended discouraging local fishermen from casting nets around the rocks to minimize disturbances. Additionally, experts proposed injecting cement into the islets’ crevices to fortify their foundations and prevent further erosion.