Upstream flows cause the water level of the Lô River to rise in Hà Giang 1 Ward, Tuyên Quang Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

TUYÊN QUANG — Heavy rainfall and upstream inflows due to heavy rainfall caused the water level of the Lô River in the northern province of Tuyên Quang to rise sharply.

The swollen river poses a serious risk of flooding on both banks, threatening the livelihoods and production of riverside communities.

Upstream flows cause the water level of the Lô River to rise in Hà Giang 1 Ward, Tuyên Quang Province. VNA/VNS Photo

Tuyên Quang Hydropower Reservoir opened two additional bottom sluice gates on Tuesday morning (September 30) as inflows continued to surge.

At 6am, the upstream water level at the reservoir stood at 119.95m, with an inflow of 5,489 cubic metres per second and an outflow of 2,481cu.m per second. The rising inflows prompted the Tuyên Quang Hydropower Company to open sluice gates No. 6 and No. 7 at 6.45am and 7am to ensure the safety of the facility.

The company said it would continue to gradually, or if necessary simultaneously, open the remaining bottom sluice gates and possibly surface gates depending on inflows. Once the reservoir water level reaches 120.5m, all bottom sluice gates, surface gates and turbine intake gates will be fully opened.

Tuyên Quang Hydropower. — Photo baochinhphu.vn

According to the Tuyên Quang Hydro-Meteorological Station, floodwaters on the Gâm River are forecast to rise by 1–4m during the morning. In Bắc Mê Commune, levels are expected to peak at alarm level 3 (extremely dangerous) before receding slowly; in Chiêm Hóa Commune, levels are rising rapidly and also forecast to peak at alarm level 3; while in Nà Hang Commune, the water will reach alarm level 2, with further changes dependent on reservoir discharges. On the Lô River, floodwaters will continue to rise and fluctuate just below alarm level 1, except in Hà Giang Old Town where levels are between alarm levels 1 and 2.

The high water levels and strong currents have already inundated low-lying areas, with depths of two to four metres and in some places over five metres.

Authorities also warned of a heightened risk of landslides along riverbanks and floodplains, particularly in steep or geologically unstable areas.

Residents in riverside and low-lying communities have been urged to closely follow weather updates and be ready to evacuate when required. They have been strictly advised not to collect driftwood, fish or attempt to cross rivers, streams or flooded fords while waters remain high. Households are also being encouraged to reinforce houses and animal shelters, and to move people, property and livestock to higher ground.

Local authorities and emergency forces are stepping up patrols and monitoring in areas vulnerable to deep flooding and landslides in an effort to protect lives and property. — VNS