On the afternoon of July 21, a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper showed that because Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant (Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province) is opening a bottom spillway, the water flow in the downstream area of the dam is rising and flowing rapidly. At the same time, heavy rain and slippery rock foundations made the area even more dangerous.
However, many people still bring fishing rods close to the edge of the water, wading in the rain to catch fish. Many people are sitting next to the rushing water, despite the risk of insecurity. This situation has been recorded since flood discharge in early 2025 and continues to recur.
The authorities have repeatedly warned that gathering to fish at the foot of the dam is a dangerous behavior, especially during the rainy season. However, after each water release, when fish from the lake pour in in in large numbers, many people still regardlessly come to this area.
In the context of prolonged heavy rain and the impact of storm No. 3, gathering fish at the foot of Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam has many potential risks.
According to Vietnam Electricity Group, at 4:00 p.m. on July 21, the water level in the upstream of Hoa Binh Lake was 100.49 meters, the water flow to the lake reached 3,943 m3/s; the total discharge through the discharge gates and generators was 3,936 m3/s.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that tonight (July 21), storm No. 3 will make landfall, causing heavy rain and strong winds in Phu Tho province.
The leader of the People's Committee of Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province said: "Right before and while Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant opened the floodgate, the ward's functional forces have increased warnings and control to avoid unfortunate incidents that may occur from the current dangerous fishing situation in the downstream area of the dam".
