The General Department of Geology and Minerals and the Japan Caving Association on December 26 held a press conference to announce the finding of a volcanic cavern system in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong.
Nguyen Van Thuan, Head of the General Department of Geology and Minerals, said Vietnamese and Japanese scientists have spent eight years investigating the caves. The volcanic cavern system, located in Buon Choah commune, Krong No district, could be the longest volcanic grotto in Southeast Asia, he added.
Dr. Hiroshi Tachihara, Honorary President of the Japan Caving Association, affirmed the volcanic cavern system is the longest of its kind in Southeast Asia with a total length of 25 km. The caves were formed millions of years ago, he noted, adding that they are of great significance for scientific research and tourism industry.
Vietnamese scientists will continue cooperating with Japanese partners to conduct further surveys and make comprehensive evaluation of the volcanic cavern system.
The Dak Nong provincial People’s Committee and the Viet Nam Geological Museum are coordinating to profile the cavern system along Serepoc River in order to have it recognised as a geological park in the future.