In early July 2025, reporters from Lao Dong Newspaper were present at Lang Van Chua (old Thinh Lang Ward, Hoa Binh City, now Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province after the three provinces of Vinh Phuc, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho were merged from July 1, 2025).
The village is located along the river, about 3km from the foot of Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, where people live mainly by fishing and cage farming.
After a long time, the water level of the reservoir has dropped, seriously affecting people's livelihoods. By the end of June, when heavy rain occurred consecutively, the lake water began to rise again. Thanks to that, the people's seafood production activities have gradually recovered and their lives have gradually stabilized.
Ms. Ngo Thi Luyen (45 years old, living as a fisherman for more than 20 years) said that during April - May, the peak was in early June, the water level of the Da River was deep, the rocks were covering the surface, and boats could not move.
At that time, the whole family just hung around to find food on the shore, there were no fish to sell, just hoping for rain every day. Since the end of June, the water has gradually increased, and fish and shrimp have also returned. My husband can go home all night and get better than fish on the bird's nest, and has some money to go in and out of the fields," Ms. Luyen said.
Not only fishing, cage fish farming households also breathe a sigh of relief when the water level recovers. Cages are no longer ran aground, fish eat well and have few diseases. Many households have taken the opportunity to repair and reinforce the cage system to maintain production.
Mr. Ha Van Trung (38 years old) - owner of 10 cages of fish and carp - shared: "The prolonged drought and the water dropping rapidly made me worry about losing everything. The fish lacked oxygen, suffered heat stroke, and were forced to evacuate their cages urgently. Now the water is cool, circulation is good, the fish eat well, and grow back quickly".
According to him, his family has just exported the first batch of white carp, selling for more than 50,000 VND/kg, considering it as a starting point to make a profit again.
After a long series of days of struggling to cope with the bottom of the reservoir, the fishing village seems to revive when the water returns. Although life is still not much difficult, for the people here, as soon as there is water, the boat spins the waves and the nets drop. The familiar pace of life following the floating water continues.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Ngo Van Thong (73 years old) - Head of Van Ca hamlet - said: "The hamlet has nearly 50 households, mainly living by fishing. The beginning of June was a really difficult period, with some sections of the lake bottom exposed, and boats could not move."
According to Mr. Thong, the water level has risen nearly 10 m compared to the dry season in early June. Thanks to that, people have returned to production, and their income has gradually stabilized.
As of 4:00 p.m. on July 5, according to an update from Vietnam Electricity Group, the water level of Hoa Binh Lake has risen to 103.18 m (the normal water level is 117 m).
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the water level of Hoa Binh Lake will continue to maintain an upward trend due to improved rainfall in the midlands and upstream areas. This is a favorable condition for fishing villagers to stabilize their livelihoods after many months of interruption.
