Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam Opens Reservoir Outlet to Enhance Flood Control

On August 6, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued an order to open one outlet of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam's reservoir, effective from 4:00 PM on the same day. This decision was made following observations that by 7:00 AM on August 6, the water level at the Hoa Binh Lake's upstream reached an elevation of 104 meters, while the downstream water level was 12.08 meters. The inflow to the reservoir was recorded at 3,861 cubic meters per second, with a total discharge to the downstream of 2,855 cubic meters per second. The reservoir outlet opening is in accordance with the regulations on the operation of multiple reservoirs in the Red River basin, as stipulated in Decision No. 740/QĐ-TTg dated June 17, 2019, and its amendments under Decision No. 922/QĐ-TTg dated May 14, 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has requested the Hoa Binh Hydropower Company to closely monitor the developments of rainfall and floods, the safety of the dam structure, water inflow, and upstream and downstream water levels, and to report promptly to the Ministry and relevant authorities. On the same day, the Ministry also issued Official Letter No. 8826/BNNMT-ĐĐ, requesting the People's Committees of provinces and cities in the downstream areas to implement measures to ensure safety during the flood discharge operation of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam. Accordingly, local authorities are urged to urgently inform all levels of government, residents, businesses, and organizations operating on or along the river – including aquaculture facilities, water transport vessels, ferry terminals, ongoing construction projects, and sand and gravel extraction, collection, and transportation activities – about the opening of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam's outlet. This is to enable them to proactively take preventive measures and ensure the safety of people and property. Furthermore, local authorities are asked to closely monitor the situation and promptly report and propose solutions for any unusual situations that may arise during the flood discharge to the Ministry (via the Directorate of Dyke Management and Flood Prevention and Control). The operation of hydropower dams in Vietnam plays a dual role: ensuring stable electricity supply and responding to natural disasters such as floods and droughts. Particularly in densely populated areas like the Red River basin, dam discharge plans have a direct impact on the lives of local residents. Therefore, close coordination between relevant ministries and local authorities, along with prompt and accurate information dissemination to the public, is crucial. The recent directive to open the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam's outlet demonstrates the government's swift response capability in adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions and protecting its citizens.