Nguyen Quang Dan, Vice Chairman of Phu Thuan Economic Committee, said the sea has been advancing for many years. Between 2004 and 2009 the shoreline advanced by 5-7 metre each year. After a long series of storms near Hue stopped in 2009 land encroachment decreased, but still remained at a rate of 3-5 metre per year.

In response, the commune has moved inland several times. In 2010, 40 households were moved back, and in 2011, 17 households were relocated. Another move took place this year with 12 of 20 households are within 50 metres of the beach.

"30 households located between 55-60 metres of the beach haven't been relocated, and there are nearly 100 households that are 60-100 metres away. Most are in An Duong Village." Dan said.

Households in Phu Thuan, which are mostly located on high sand dunes that are being gradually eroded by the sea put many of them at risk. 

The effects of erosion can clearly be seen at a particular shrine there. Just over a year ago the shrinewas safe, being located on a high sand dune, but it is now near collapse as the dune is being washed into the sea. Four houses have been abandoned, while several others have exposed foundations. An old well resembles a chimney after the ground around it receded. 

Nguyen Phu Tuy, the chairman of Phu Thuan People's Council said, "This is the smallest commune in the area. The place closest to the beach is only 200 metres and the farthest is one kilometre. We built a resettlement area but lacked land, so we had to fill in a lake and lagoon in another location. This caused real trouble for the people who live and earn their livings here. Most of them survive by fishing, and many people will be forced to find new jobs. Hopefully the authorities will help with funds and retraining. Otherwise the problems we are facing could be insurmountable."

However many households don't want to move. Ho Van Luu, a local from An Duong Village, said, "Our house was reinforced. Besides, we've been staying here for a long time and don't want to move to a strange place. Also, the compensation is not much, just VND14.5 million (USD696) from the local committee and Fatherland Front. We can't build another house with that so we'll wait for a house in a resettlement area. I know it's dangerous but we plan on waiting until the foundation of the house is not good." 

During tough economic times a resettlement area could be a long way off. One permanent solution would be to build a five-kilometre dyke. But even this solution need time and funding and in the meantime many people continue to live in danger. 

Well that now looks like a chimney

Shrine near collapse