Northern Vietnam's Power Grid Damaged by Heavy Rains; Restoration Efforts and Disaster Preparedness Intensify

Northern Vietnam, particularly in Lao Cai province, is experiencing severe impacts on its power infrastructure due to early arrival of the rainy season and subsequent heavy rains. Since mid-July, prolonged heavy rains and landslides in the Nghĩa Lộ area have caused widespread damage in many high-altitude villages, leading to the collapse of medium and low-voltage power poles and disrupting electricity supply to thousands of households. Specifically, on the afternoon of July 17, a landslide in Trống Là hamlet, Khao Mang commune, caused the collapse of medium-voltage power pole number 26 on line 376E29.2. This resulted in 88 transformer stations losing power, affecting 9,324 customers in the high-altitude communes managed by Nghĩa Lộ Power Company. Additionally, six low-voltage power poles were broken or fell in Lao Chải, Kim Nọi, Chế Tạo, and Púng Luông communes, causing significant damage to the local power system. Immediately after receiving the report, Nghĩa Lộ Power Company activated the 'four-on-site' (local personnel, materials, vehicles, command) plan, mobilizing maximum human resources, vehicles, materials, and equipment to access the site quickly. Despite many roads being blocked by landslides and floods, making movement extremely difficult, the company's staff worked diligently through the night at the scene to implement restoration measures. They worked with a spirit of responsibility, determined to restore power to the people as soon as possible, embodying the principle that "electricity not only illuminates but also represents responsibility to the community." They strived to overcome harsh weather conditions and work continuously through the night to minimize power outage duration, thereby quickly restoring electricity supply for residents' daily lives and meeting the operational needs of production and business facilities, as well as essential infrastructure in the area. In addition to restoring the power grid, during their approach to the affected sites, power company staff also assisted residents in navigating landslide-affected areas, contributing to traffic safety under complex flood conditions. To respond to the complex natural disaster situation in the localities, in 2026, Lao Cai Power Company proactively implemented the 'four-on-site' principle, establishing 15 sub-committees for natural disaster prevention and search and rescue within its subordinate units, while also maintaining rapid response teams. When weather warnings indicate potential impacts on the managed areas, disaster prevention duty is assigned 48 hours in advance and maintained until damage assessment and resolution are complete. Depending on the warning level, units review materials, vehicles, communication, and rapid response teams, organizing 24/7 duty and inspecting critical areas. According to the plan and the consistent guiding spirit of the company, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Hùng, Head of Nghĩa Lộ Power Company, stated that the unit has fully prepared personnel, materials, vehicles, and plans for each risk level. Upon receiving a warning, forces are quickly mobilized, key areas are inspected, and they are ready to handle issues as soon as conditions permit safely. Furthermore, the unit conducts 100% inspection of the power grid before the rainy and storm season. Areas with risks of landslides and flooding are assessed and categorized, with priority given to high-risk locations. Concurrently, the unit prepares rapid response teams and essential materials such as poles, conductors, insulators, and auxiliary materials to be ready for incident handling.