On 21/11, the People's Committee of Dak Lua commune organized evacuations and helped residents move assets to safety as the Dong Nai river's water level rose. Hundreds of homes were inundated by nearly one meter of water, submerging many crop fields and orchards. About 12 km of local roads were deeply flooded, isolating many areas.

Authorities assist residents along the Dong Nai river in Cat Tien commune. *Photo: Thai Ha*

According to a Dak Lua commune leader, authorities immediately assisted residents in responding after receiving notification that the Dong Nai 5 hydropower dam would discharge water last night, preventing any human casualties. However, water levels remain high, and adverse weather conditions persist. The commune warns residents not to be complacent and to avoid staying in dangerous areas.

In riverside communes along the Dong Nai river, such as Cat Tien (Lam Dong) and Phuoc Son (formerly Binh Phuoc), rising water caused severe flooding. Specifically, the former Quang Ngai commune experienced inundation of 1-1,5 m, with some riverside households flooded up to 2 m, damaging many properties. The central area of Cat Tien commune was also submerged under 1-1,2 m of water.

Dak Lua commune police assist in relocating residents' assets to avoid floods on the morning of 21/11. *Photo: Thai Ha*

The provincial Hydro-Meteorological Station reports that water levels on the Dong Nai river system continue to rise, posing a risk of flooding low-lying areas and affecting waterway traffic, aquaculture, and agricultural production. At the Ta Lai station, water levels exceeded alarm 2 (112,5 m). The Phu Hiep station on the La Nga river showed a slow decrease, remaining below alarm 2. Bien Hoa station recorded an increasing tidal peak, approaching alarm 2 (2 m).

The forecast for the next 6-12 hours indicates that water levels at Ta Lai will continue to rise slowly, reaching between alarm 2 and 3 (113 m) before gradually receding. Levels at Phu Hiep are expected to remain below alarm 2, while the tidal peak at Bien Hoa will continue to increase, exceeding alarm 1.

Phuoc Tuan