Binh Thuan One-Member Co., Ltd. for Exploiting Irrigation Works announced on the morning of 7/12 that the increased water discharge from two reservoirs began at 5 AM on the same day. This measure aims to maintain flood prevention capacity and ensure dam safety, with prior notification sent to downstream areas to enable proactive response.

The Song Quao reservoir, located in Ham Thuan Bac district, is discharging water at a rate of 50 to 120 m3/s. This affects the communes and wards of Ham Thuan Bac, Ham Thuan, Ham Liem, Ham Thang, and Phu Thuy. The decision to regulate discharge was prompted by the reservoir's water level reaching 90,35 m yesterday afternoon, 0,18 m above its normal elevation, with a slow decrease and an overflow of about 45 m3/s.

Song Quao irrigation reservoir discharging floodwaters on the afternoon of 4/12. Photo: Viet Quoc

Similarly, the Song Luy reservoir in Phan Son is also increasing its discharge rate, from 60 to 150 m3/s. Downstream areas potentially impacted include Phan Son, Song Luy, Luong Son, Hong Thai, Bac Binh, and Phan Ri Cua communes. Regulation was necessary as the reservoir's water level rose to 129,78 m yesterday afternoon, 0,28 m above its normal level, and continued to increase, while its free discharge capacity was only 15 m3/s.

In the preceding days, both reservoirs had reduced their discharge due to severe flooding in downstream areas. With water levels now receding, the management unit has increased discharge to return water levels to a safe threshold. This also aims to boost flood prevention capacity in anticipation of a potential low-pressure system, thereby preventing renewed flooding during heavy rainfall.

Other irrigation reservoirs in Binh Thuan have already brought their water levels down to safe thresholds and thus do not require regulation at this time.

Khai Nguyen