Massive Flooding on the Thao River: Urgent Measures to Ensure Safety of Thac Ba Hydropower Plant

At 1:00 AM today (September 30th), the water level on the Thao River at the Yen Bai station surged above the alarm threshold, reaching 1.68 meters. Inflow to the Thac Ba Reservoir at 10:00 PM last night peaked at 4,110 m³/s. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued an urgent directive, mandating immediate measures to ensure the safety of infrastructure and downstream areas of the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant.

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Due to the influence of Typhoon Bualoi, heavy rainfall has persisted in Lao Cai province since September 28. The Thao River in Yen Bai is experiencing rapid flooding due to the combination of heavy rain and the discharge operations of the Dong Sung Hydropower Plant, which released 2,613 m³/s at 2 AM on September 30.

At 1 AM today (September 30), the water level on the Thao River at Yen Bai station reached 33.68 meters, exceeding the Level 3 flood warning by 1.68 meters. Forecasts indicate that the river will continue to rise and remain above the Level 3 warning throughout the day and night.

Affected by Typhoon No. 10, the Thac Ba Lake basin has seen heavy rainfall, with an inflow rate of 4,110 m³/s recorded at 10 PM on September 29. The upstream water level stands at 57.54 meters, 0.46 meters below the normal high-water mark.

On September 30, provinces including Lao Cai, Phu Tho, and Tuyen Quang are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with precipitation ranging from 40-80 mm and exceeding 150 mm in some areas. Northern regions and Thanh Hoa province will see moderate to heavy rain, with 20-50 mm of rainfall and localized downpours surpassing 100 mm.

Thac Ba Hydropower Reservoir is currently receiving a massive inflow of water.

In response to the severe flooding and ongoing rainfall, the National Civil Defense Steering Committee has instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to direct relevant units to closely coordinate with local authorities. They are to guide and monitor the operations of Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, ensuring strict adherence to procedures and regulations.

The Ministry has also requested the People’s Committee of Lao Cai Province to direct departments, agencies, and localities to collaborate with the reservoir operator in inspecting and closely monitoring the reservoir’s operations. They are to implement safety measures for downstream areas.

Proactive communication and timely warnings must be provided to local authorities and residents in downstream areas to facilitate preparedness. Resources, equipment, and supplies should be prepared to address emergencies, ensuring the absolute safety of infrastructure, lives, and property in downstream regions.

The Director of Thac Ba Hydropower Joint Stock Company is responsible for operating the reservoir according to procedures and will be held fully accountable for any incidents compromising safety or causing damage to downstream lives and property.

The National Civil Defense Steering Committee urges relevant ministries, sectors, and the People’s Committees of Lao Cai and Phu Tho provinces to closely monitor rainfall and flooding developments. Timely information should be disseminated to authorities and residents to enhance proactive prevention and response measures.

Immediate evacuation plans should be organized for residents in low-lying, riverside areas at high risk of flooding and landslide-prone zones, relocating them to safe locations.

Patrols and guard duties should be organized, with flood control measures implemented according to warning levels. Resources, equipment, and personnel must be ready to address incidents promptly, ensuring the safety of the dyke system. Rescue teams and equipment should be on standby for emergency response when needed.

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