Enhancement of operation and regulation of hydropower reservoirs in northern provinces of Vietnam

Enhancement of operation and regulation of hydropower reservoirs in northern provinces of Vietnam (Image from the Internet)

On September 12, 2024, the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam issued Official Telegram 94/ CD-TTg regarding strengthening the operations and regulation of hydropower reservoirs in the northern provinces to ensure the safety of the dyke system and minimize flood damage in the downstream areas in Vietnam.

Enhancement of operation and regulation of hydropower reservoirs in northern provinces of Vietnam 

Official Telegram 94/CD-TTg was sent to the Ministers of the Ministries: Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Trade; Chairmen of the People's Committees of the provinces and cities: Son La, Lai Chau, Hoa Binh, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang, Ninh Binh; the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Electricity.

In Official Telegram 94/CD-TTg, the following points are specified:

Typhoon No. 3 (international name Yagi) is the strongest typhoon in the East Sea in the past 30 years, hitting the northern provinces with very strong intensity; the typhoon circulation caused heavy rain across all provinces from Thanh Hoa northwards with a total volume of 200-400mm, mountainous provinces from 400-600mm, with certain locations exceeding 700mm. Many hydropower reservoirs in the northern midland and mountainous areas have had to urgently release floods to ensure the safety of the hydropower structures. Currently, the water level in the downstream of rivers in the Red River - Thai Binh river basin is very high, with some locations above warning level 3; some river sections are near or have surpassed historical levels, threatening the safety of dike systems, causing flooding in many residential areas, schools, medical facilities, and other essential infrastructures. In Ninh Binh, the flooding on the Hoang Long river coincides with flooding on the Red River and Day River, threatening the safety of the dyke system, production activities, and the lives of people in some districts within the province.

According to forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the weather in the northern region is expected to improve in the upcoming days, predominantly with sunny days, but with a few places experiencing showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to gradually increase, averaging around 31-34 degrees.

To help minimize the impact of rain, floods, and inundation on the lives and production activities of people in the downstream areas and ensure absolute safety for the hydropower reservoir structures, the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam requires:

(1) The Ministers of the Ministries: Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, to chair, cooperate with the Chairmen of the People's Committees of the mentioned provinces to direct the owners and management units of hydropower reservoir operations:

- Conduct observation, continuously monitor, and firmly grasp the situation and developments of rain and floods in the basin; focus on actively, scientifically, and flexibly operating and regulating reservoir storage (especially for the hydropower reservoir systems on the Da River, including Lai Chau, Son La, Hoa Binh hydropower reservoirs) to cut, reduce, and slow down floods in the downstream areas (including floods on the Hoang Long river in Ninh Binh), simultaneously ensuring the safety of the structures and strictly complying with the Inter-reservoir Operation Procedure;

- During operation, strictly adhere to reporting policies, promptly provide information to local authorities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade for prompt directives in emergency situations;

- Closely coordinate with local authorities in the downstream dam area, and relevant agencies to strictly notify and warn the downstream population of flood developments and flood regulation operations, enabling people to proactively avoid and ensure safety.

(2) Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam Tran Hong Ha is assigned to directly instruct relevant Ministries, branches, and localities to strictly implement Official Telegram 94/ CD-TTg.

(3) The Office of the Government of Vietnam is tasked with monitoring and urging the implementation of Official Telegram 94/ CD-TTg according to their functions and assigned duties; promptly report to the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam in charge of unexpected and arising issues.

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