As reported by Lao Dong Newspaper, at around 3:00 a.m. on November 5, Thac Gieng 1 Hydropower Plant of Song Da Bac Kan Joint Stock Company, Xuat Hoa Ward (Bac Kan City) suddenly released water, causing severe damage to the downstream area.
The large amount of water pouring in caused flooding, erosion, and swept away many construction items and machinery that were constructing embankments to repair landslides on the Chu and Cau rivers through Dong Tam town (Cho Moi), with estimated damage of more than 120 million VND.
On November 26, speaking with Lao Dong Newspaper reporter, Mr. Ha Sy Thang - Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Bac Kan province said that immediately after receiving the information, the unit set up a working group to work with Thac Gieng 1 Hydropower Plant to determine the cause.
The cause was determined to be a problem with the valve lifting system and the lake water level rose. The factory opened the bottom discharge gate for 10 hours (from the evening of November 4 to the morning of November 5) with a flow rate of 55-60m3/s, causing the Cau River water level to rise 1.14m higher than normal.
When the working group requested to check the operating logbook of Thac Gieng 1 Hydropower Plant, this unit could not provide it.
The discharge of water from Thac Gieng 1 Hydropower Plant of Song Da Bac Kan Joint Stock Company causing flooding and affecting the anti-erosion embankment project is not the first time this has happened.
Information from the Project Management Board for Investment and Construction of Agricultural and Rural Development Works of Bac Kan province (investor) stated that at around 8:00 a.m. on October 19, 2024, the hydropower plant discharged flood water to supply electricity, causing the downstream water level to rise nearly 3 meters, affecting construction activities.
To ensure project progress (completed in 2024), the investor has requested the company to coordinate and provide a plan and schedule for water discharge from Thac Gieng 1 Hydropower Plant from October 22 to December 31, 2024.
That was the request in writing, but on November 5, the hydroelectric plant suddenly released water without prior notice, causing property damage, widespread flooding, and affecting the progress of the project under construction.
After the incident of Thac Gieng 1 Hydropower Plant unexpectedly releasing water causing damage to the downstream area, on November 20, the People's Committee of Bac Kan province issued Document No. 8530 requesting Song Da Bac Kan Joint Stock Company to strictly implement the hydropower reservoir operation process.
Before releasing flood or water, the specific time and flow must be notified to the districts, communes and representatives of the project investor to overcome landslides downstream to proactively prevent and avoid damage to property, ensure labor safety and project progress.
