Coastal erosion threatens the Fisherman Temple

Coastal erosion causes landslides threatening the Ngu Ong temple, Bac Trach commune - Photo: NH

Head of Thanh Xuan village (Bac Trach commune) Hoang Van Hai said that the Fish Temple is located on the southern bank of Gianh estuary, Bac Trach commune. The temple was built 125 years ago, and is where the bones of a whale that drifted ashore are kept. Every year, the temple is where fishermen hold a fishing festival, praying for favorable weather, peace for fishermen, and bountiful harvests. After being destroyed by war, the Fish Temple was rebuilt, but over time it has deteriorated due to the effects of storms and rains...

“According to the people’s wishes, in order to encourage the spirit of labor and production of fishermen; at the same time, to preserve and promote the fishing festival - National Intangible Cultural Heritage, in 2022, the local government will build a new Ngu Ong temple in the form of the State and the People working together. The temple was completed with a total cost of more than 1 billion VND…”, said the Head of Thanh Xuan village.

Currently, the entire Bac Trach commune has about 7km of coastline eroded, of which nearly 1km in front of the Ngu Ong temple has eroded at an alarming rate. Previously, the distance from the Ngu Ong temple yard to the sea edge was nearly 200m, but now, after many storms and floods, the waves have washed away most of the sand, leaving the sacred temple only a few steps from the wave's edge.

“In these difficult conditions, the local people and authorities can only temporarily overcome the problem by pouring boulders to preserve the temple yard. However, this solution cannot withstand the raging sea for long. The coastline continues to be cracked by the waves, causing erosion. The people here are very worried when the spiritual relic of the fishing village is at risk of being washed away…”, Thanh Xuan Village Chief shared.

Chairwoman of Bac Trach Commune People's Committee Duong Thi Thu Hien said that the coastal section through Thanh Xuan village is eroding and causing landslides; especially directly threatening the Ngu Ong Temple - a place closely associated with the spiritual life of local fishermen. Bac Trach Commune authorities have repeatedly reported and recommended that superiors soon allocate funds to handle this serious coastal erosion. In the short term, local authorities and people can only temporarily fix the problem, but in the long term, it is necessary to build a solid embankment to ensure the safety of the people as well as preserve the spiritual relics of the locality...

“The province has agreed to the proposal of Bac Trach commune, including the project to build a sea dike in the medium-term public investment plan for the period 2026-2030, with a total investment of 160 billion VND from the central budget. This is a good sign, opening up hope to fundamentally solve the coastal erosion situation here…”, informed the Chairman of Bac Trach commune People's Committee.

More than ever, the people of Thanh Xuan village, Bac Trach commune hope that the project will be implemented soon, not only to protect their lives before the upcoming storm season, but also to preserve the sacred temple - where fishermen place their faith and aspirations for peace in the open sea.

Ngoc Hai - Quang Ngoc

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202508/bo-bien-xam-thuc-de-doa-den-tho-ngu-ong-c8a47ef/