Strict Adherence to Operation Procedures
Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, has issued an urgent directive to relevant units, ordering them to focus on directing responses to heavy rains caused by Typhoon No. 3 and ensuring safe operation of hydroelectric plants.
The directive instructs the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to direct seven hydroelectric plants, including Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau, Huoi Quang, Ban Chat, Tuyen Quang, and Thac Ba, as well as other hydroelectric works in the northern and central regions, to strictly adhere to the approved procedures for multi-reservoir operation and reservoir operation. These procedures are approved by authorized agencies and directed by the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and other competent authorities.
“Be proactive and ready with plans for any abnormal situations that may arise during the operation of the works, ensuring absolute safety for the hydroelectric plants and minimizing damage to the lowest level in terms of lives and property of people in the downstream area caused by floods; strengthen information warning and early notification to local authorities at all levels and people in the upstream and downstream areas before operating flood discharge according to the procedure,” the Minister of Industry and Trade instructed.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade directs northern hydroelectric plants to strictly adhere to multi-reservoir operation procedures when discharging floods. Photo: PLO.
In addition, the Minister of Industry and Trade also requested that the hydroelectric plants organize inspection teams and require the power units within their management scope to self-inspect their response, damage recovery, and incidents caused by the aftermath of Typhoon No. 3 and the complex developments of the current flood situation. They should closely monitor the evolution of natural disasters, and be well-prepared in terms of human resources, materials, and means of transport, following the principle of “four on-site” to respond to any abnormal incidents that may occur.
Moreover, they need to coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade of the localities to direct and inspect the implementation of measures to ensure dam safety, especially vulnerable dams, small hydropower plants, or those under construction or repair; and the operation of hydropower reservoirs to ensure the safety of the works and downstream areas, suitable to the evolution of rain and floods, especially large water reservoirs in the Da River hydropower cascade system.
Preventing Artificial Floods
The Minister of Industry and Trade also requested that the owners of hydropower works seriously abide by the approved procedures for multi-reservoir and single-reservoir operation, especially in abnormal situations.
“Operate scientifically, ensuring absolute safety for the works, preventing artificial floods, and contributing to reducing floods downstream. It is necessary to pay attention to early notification to the people before discharging floods,” the directive stated.
At the same time, they should mobilize maximum resources and equipment to provide early warning information to local authorities and people in the downstream area before discharging floods according to the procedure and the operating schedule of the competent authority, especially in the case of emergency flood discharge.
Strengthen the inspection and assessment of the dam status, equipment, and items related to flood discharge, water intake, and the downstream flood warning system, promptly fixing any defects (if any). Organize 24/7 shifts, maintain smooth communication with the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control at all levels, and implement plans to ensure dam safety, downstream areas of reservoirs, and unfinished constructions, especially key and vulnerable works.
Timely erect warning signs and notify people about dangerous areas within the protection perimeter of hydropower dams. Coordinate closely with local functional agencies in natural disaster response and ensure the safety of people in downstream areas, especially in cases of emergency flood discharge.
The Department of Industrial Safety and Environment was also assigned to coordinate with other units in the Ministry to immediately inspect a number of hydropower plants in the northern region regarding their compliance with operation procedures and safety assurance in flood discharge according to the procedure. They will also closely monitor the operation of hydropower plants within their management scope and urge units to perform their assigned tasks.
On September 9, a series of hydropower plants opened their floodgates. Specifically, Tuyen Quang (4 gates), Lai Chau (1 gate), Ban Chat (4 gates), Huoi Quang (4 gates), Hoa Binh (2 gates), Thac Ba (2 gates), Trung Son (6 gates), and Ban Ve (6 gates) were opened.
In the afternoon of September 9, Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant received an urgent order to open two more bottom gates for flood discharge. Thus, all eight bottom gates of Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant had to be opened for flood discharge.
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