The La Bách Reservoir in the central province of Phú Yên. — Photo laodong.com.vn |
PHÚ YÊN — A dam of the La Bách reservoir in central Phú Yên Province’s Sông Hinh District is at risk of breaking as a large amount of water has permeated through a large area of its downstream surface.
Field test results from the province’s agricultural department show that water has permeated through some 230-240m of the dam, the Lao Động (Labour) online newspaper reported on Sunday.
The conditions have caused subsidence in 30-50cm of the dam, along with some 20cm of the last part of a drain at the foot of the dam.
Water has also permeated through other parts of the dam (with total area of 50sq.m.), but not at such a serious level. The upstream surface of the dam remains stable without signs of subsidence.
Nguyễn Trọng Tùng, director of the department, said reason for the water permeation has not been determined. The department will collaborate with the construction consultant agency to review and evaluate the design, construction and operation management of the dam to identify the cause, he said.
The department has requested the provincial People’s Committee to direct the management board of the province’s agriculture and rural development projects to invite the dam’s design consultant agency to inspect its conditions and report to the concerned authorities before July 31, Tùng said.
It has also requested the district’s People’s Committee to keep a close watch on the water permeation and ensure residents living downstream are aware of the dam’s conditions, as well as forbid residents and cattle from travelling on the downstream surface of the dam. The committee has also been asked to prepare plans for the stormy season, he said. — VNS