Lam Dong Reservoirs to Discharge Water Ahead of Heavy Rains, Residents Warned of Flood Risk

In Vietnam's Lam Dong province, four major reservoirs are scheduled to begin discharging water from 4 PM on September 23 in anticipation of heavy rainfall. This measure aims to secure storage capacity and mitigate the risks associated with impending torrential downpours. According to the Binh Thuan Irrigation Works Exploitation Company, the upstream areas of the Song Quao, Song Khan, Suoi Da, and Ba Bau reservoirs have experienced continuous rainfall in recent days. Projections indicate that heavy rains are likely to persist, potentially leading to a rapid increase in water levels within the reservoirs. By releasing water in advance, authorities intend to create additional empty capacity to accommodate floodwaters, thereby avoiding the necessity of large-scale discharges during periods of intense rainfall. However, residents in downstream areas are being warned of potential rising river and stream levels during this water regulation period. Those living along the Ca Ty River, Cai River, and near the river mouths in the Phan Thiet, Ham Thuan Nam, and Ham Thuan Bac regions are particularly advised to monitor the latest alerts. At the Song Quao reservoir, initial discharge rates are expected to be between 10-50 cubic meters per second, potentially increasing to 50-100 cubic meters per second depending on inflow and downstream conditions. The managing entity will notify local authorities in Ham Thuan, Ham Thang, and Phu Thuy before initiating or increasing discharge volumes to ensure timely warnings for residents. On the morning of September 23, the Ba Bau reservoir was at an elevation of 41.5 meters, 0.5 meters below its normal full supply level. The management plans to open up to two additional spillway gates, bringing the total to a maximum of five. At the current water level, the discharge rate is approximately 112 cubic meters per second, which could rise to about 150 cubic meters per second if the reservoir reaches an elevation of 42 meters. For the Suoi Da reservoir, initial discharge is planned at 3-5 cubic meters per second, with potential increases to 5-20 cubic meters per second. The Song Khan reservoir will regulate its discharge between 2-20 cubic meters per second, contingent on water inflow and downstream conditions. The Binh Thuan Irrigation Works Exploitation Company has requested local authorities to disseminate information about water regulation and guide downstream residents in proactively taking preventive measures. Several areas in Lam Dong province have experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall in recent days. Authorities have issued warnings about the risks of flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides on steep slopes and mountain passes, and localized flooding in low-lying areas and urban centers.