The latest updates on the power grid restoration efforts in the northern provinces and cities heavily affected by Storm No. 3, as provided by the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), indicate significant progress. With the dedicated work of the units under the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC), 1,376 out of 1,604 affected medium-voltage power lines have been repaired as of the morning of September 11. Power supply has been restored to 4.8 million customers out of the total of over 5.9 million affected by Storm Yagi, achieving an impressive restoration rate of 81.3%.
Regarding the high-voltage power grid, as of September 11, 11 out of 13 issues with the 500kV grid have been addressed, while the 220kV grid has seen 40 out of 44 problems resolved. All 10 220kV transformer stations are operational again, and the 110kV grid has 158 out of 187 issues fixed, with 94 out of 120 transformer stations back online.
EVN also provided an update on the medium and low-voltage power grids, which suffered extensive damage due to strong winds and the aftermath of the storm. Continuous heavy rainfall from the night of September 9 onwards caused severe flooding in several provinces, including Yen Bai, Bac Giang, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, and Lao Cai, affecting over 400,000 customers.
The situation with the hydropower plants has been challenging due to the significant inflow of water in the aftermath of Storm No. 3. The northern hydropower plants are currently discharging water through their spillways, following the directives of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the Provincial Steering Committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.
The following hydropower plants are discharging water through their spillways: Tuyen Quang (05 gates), Lai Chau (01 gate), Ban Chat (01 gate), Huoi Quang (01 gate), Thac Ba (03 gates), Trung Son (06 gates), and Ban Ve (06 gates).
Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant: The highest inflow was recorded at 6,966 cubic meters per second at 9:00 AM on September 9. Currently, the inflow has decreased to 2,850 cubic meters per second, with a total discharge of 4,359 cubic meters per second. The water level upstream has dropped to 117.9 meters. From 2:00 PM on September 8 to 3:00 PM on September 9, the Tuyen Quang reservoir followed the order from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to open all eight bottom gates. On September 10, two gates were closed at 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and another gate was closed on September 11 at 8:00 AM.
Thac Ba Hydropower Plant: The highest inflow was 5,620 cubic meters per second at 9:00 AM on September 10. Currently, the inflow has decreased to 3,150 cubic meters per second, with a total discharge of 3,200 cubic meters per second. The water level upstream has risen to 59.9 meters.
Thac Ba Hydropower Plant has followed the directive from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to open three spillway gates. The Thac Ba Hydropower Joint Stock Company has issued Document No. 1841/TĐTB-P2 dated September 9, 2024, regarding the response to the emergency situation at the Thac Ba Dam and Reservoir. The Yen Bai Province has prepared a response plan to ensure dam safety.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting’s bulletin at 5:30 AM on September 11, 2024, water levels at downstream stations in the Hong-Thai Binh river system are expected to rise to the third alarm level and above in the next 12 to 24 hours.
The rising water levels will cause flooding in low-lying areas along the river, affecting dykes, embankments, and critical points of the dyke and embankment system in Hanoi, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, and Ninh Binh provinces.
There is also a high risk of flooding in low-lying areas along the river in Lang Son, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, and Hoa Binh provinces. Landslides and flash floods are likely to occur in mountainous areas in the region.
The rising water levels will result in flooding in low-lying areas, affecting riverbank cultivation, aquaculture, agriculture, and socio-economic activities, especially in the Hong-Thai Binh river system’s downstream areas.
In response to this situation, the Northern Power units are continuing their efforts to mobilize human resources, equipment, and supplies to restore power to affected customers as soon as possible while ensuring safety.
The Power is Back: 3 Provinces and Cities Have Their Electricity Restored
As of September 10th, the power grid affected by Storm No. 3 in Quang Ninh province, Hai Phong city and Hai Duong province has been substantially restored. Essential services such as hospitals, communication networks and clean water supplies have had their power restored.
The Road Less Travelled: Uncovering the Beauty of the Thai Nguyen – Cho Moi Highway
The Vietnam Road Administration reports that the Thai Nguyen – Cho Moi Highway in Thai Nguyen City is currently experiencing severe flooding, with water levels reaching depths of 0.6 to 1.2 meters. This has resulted in significant traffic disruptions, and all vehicles traveling through this area have been temporarily halted.
The New Second Thang Long Bridge Expressway: A Smooth Commute or a Watery Mess?
With the Pháp Vân – Cầu Giẽ Highway submerged in deep waters from Km191 to Km192, both directions, the Traffic Police Department advises motorists, especially those with low-clearance vehicles, to refrain from traversing this stretch of the highway.
The North Endures a Deluge of Natural Disasters
As of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s report released at 10:00 AM on September 10, 2024, the damage inflicted by the third storm, floods, and landslides stood at a grim count of 104 lives lost or missing (65 dead and 39 missing). The storm and its aftermath also left 48,337 homes damaged.
