On 25/11, the Dak Lak Provincial Civil Defense Steering Committee instructed the Song Ba Ha, Song Hinh, and Krong Hnang hydropower plants to lower their reservoir water levels to pre-flood levels by 10h on 28/11. Specifically, Song Ba Ha will be lowered to 102 m, Song Hinh to 204,5 m, and Krong Hnang to 251,5 m.

This directive comes as a tropical depression is expected to strengthen into a storm, entering the East Sea tonight. Forecasts indicate heavy rainfall of 150-250 mm, with some areas exceeding 350 mm, in the Central region on 28-29/11. Beyond lowering water levels, reservoir operators must adhere to proper procedures to prevent sudden floods that could impact downstream areas.

Dak Lak was among the provinces most severely affected by recent floods. From 19/11 to 22/11, water levels in the Ba, Ky Lo, Ban Thach, and Serepok rivers exceeded historical peaks. This, combined with high tides and easterly winds blocking river mouths, led to widespread deep flooding. The floods in the eastern part of the province (formerly Phu Yen) killed 63 people and left 8 missing. Additionally, 150,000 houses were deeply submerged, and over 120 homes collapsed.

Song Ba Ha hydropower reservoir discharges water on 19/11. Photo: Thai An

Song Ba Ha hydropower reservoir discharges water on 19/11. Photo: Thai An

Similarly, Ho Van Muoi, Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, on the afternoon of 25/11, urged localities to review dams and reservoirs to ensure safety plans are in place.

Lam Dong has experienced several dam-related incidents recently. Late on 19/11, prolonged heavy rain, combined with flood discharge from Da Nhim Dam, caused deep flooding in 700 residential areas in D'ran and Ka Do communes (Don Duong district). This resulted in 15 collapsed houses and 1,000 ha of damaged crops and coffee.

Earlier this month, a reservoir built by an enterprise on a mountain in Tuy Phong commune (formerly Binh Thuan, now part of Lam Dong) burst. Water rushed into residential areas, sweeping away three family members, including a 13-year-old girl who died.

In Khanh Hoa, the Song Cho 1 and Suoi Dau reservoirs have been discharging water since 24/11. This measure, taken amidst prolonged heavy rainfall in the region, aims to ensure dam safety and create capacity for new rainfall.

Tran Phong, Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, on 25/11, directed units managing and operating irrigation and hydropower facilities to urgently reinforce and repair damages. He also stressed the importance of monitoring weather and water inflow to reservoirs to promptly calculate regulation plans, lower water levels, and increase flood-receiving capacity.

Furthermore, South Central Coast provinces have instructed their Civil Defense Steering Committees to maintain 24/24 duty, provide early warnings to residents, and be ready to evacuate people from areas at risk of landslides and flash floods. Localities are preparing forces and equipment for rescue and relief operations. They are also regularly communicating with vessels at sea to prevent them from entering dangerous areas.

In the southern region, the Dau Tieng reservoir, with a capacity of 1,58 billion m3 and flowing through Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai, began discharging water into the Sai Gon River on the morning of 25/11.

Regarding the response to the tropical depression likely to strengthen into Storm No. 15, Ho Chi Minh City departments, agencies, and localities were requested to monitor forecasts, prepare response plans, and have rescue forces and equipment ready for any situation.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on the afternoon of 25/11, the center of the depression was west of central Philippines, causing winds of level 7 and gusts of level 9. The depression is moving west-northwest at 30 km/h. In the next two to three days, the depression is expected to strengthen into a storm, moving slowly westward at 5-10 km/h and potentially strengthening further.

Path of the tropical depression expected to strengthen into Storm No. 15. Photo: NCHMF

Path of the tropical depression expected to strengthen into Storm No. 15. Photo: NCHMF

From the afternoon of 25/11, the East Sea will experience winds of level 6-7. Near the storm's center, winds will reach level 8-9, with gusts of level 11 and sea waves 4-6 m high. From 26/11 to 28/11, winds in the central East Sea could reach level 10-11, with gusts of level 14, sea waves 7-9 m high, and very rough seas.

International forecast models indicate that the depression could affect Khanh Hoa and former Phu Yen, areas that recently suffered severe damage from the biggest floods in over 50 years. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, from 15/11 to 21/11, floods in the South Central Coast region killed 91 people and left 11 missing.

The National Steering Committee for Civil Defense has urged South Central Coast provinces to urgently focus on mitigating flood damage and prepare for the next natural disaster.

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