HÀ NỘI — In an effort to deal with recent heavy rains that have hit northern parts of the country, Hòa Bình Hydropower Plant on Monday morning opened a new flood gate, the second since July 7.

The Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention has asked that Hòa Bình Hydropower Plant, depending on the severity of further heavy rain and flooding, continuing to open further flood gates, aiming to reduce water levels back to normal.

At 2pm on Sunday, the Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention sent the official message No 08/CĐ-TW to Hòa Bình Hydropower Plant, warning that the water level of Hòa Bình reservoir was increasing. At 1pm on Sunday, it was measured at 107.67m, while the flow to the lake was 4,758 cu.m/s, and the total discharge volume was 3,970 cu.m/s.

According to the National Hydrological Forecast Centre, from Sunday to Monday, there were heavy rain and thunderstorms across much of the northern region, with mountainous and midland areas experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall. Lai Châu, Lào Cai, Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang and Yên Bái provinces all witnessed heavy showers. From Sunday until tomorrow, in upstream areas of three rivers: Đà, Thao and Lô, water is forecast to reach heights of between two and three metres.

Hòa Bình Hydropower Plant must closely monitor the water flow to the reservoir, water levels upstream and downstream of the dam, and regularly provide reports to the Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and State relevant agencies.

To prepare for the opening of the first gate on July 7, Hòa Bình Province authorities relocated 100 per cent of households in Vạn Chài Village, Tân Thịnh Ward to safe areas.

At the same time, local authorities informed fishing households living around the downstream area to catch all fish and place fish cages near the shore, in order to ensure the safety of people’s property. — VNS