In late May 2025, reporters from Lao Dong Newspaper were present in Hien Luong Commune, Da Bac District, the Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir, witnessing the water level dropping significantly.
Long strip of land and cliffs spreading along the mountainside are gradually appearing, creating a scene unusual to every year.
Ms. Le Thi Huong, 62 years old, a resident of Doi hamlet, Hien Luong commune, said: "This year the lake water level is much lower than in previous years, especially compared to last April, the water level has dropped a lot".
According to Ms. Huong, the receding water has made many places where boats used to travel convenient now have to stop because they are too dry.Although they can still raise fish and do tourism, many people in the village are starting to worry about the next dry season.
Not only are there concerns about water resources, but people also feel the change in the landscape of the lake area. The deep decrease in water level also exposed wild alluvial plains and cliffs, creating a different natural landscape, both beautiful and making people think, Ms. Huong confided.
Mr. Tran Van Minh, 57 years old, also in Doi hamlet, shared: I have lived here for more than 30 years, but have never seen the lake water recede as deep as this year. Large sandbanks and rocks are clearly visible. This is a warning sign that the drought is very severe.
According to Mr. Minh, the water shortage not only occurs in Hien Luong commune but is also a common situation in many other communes along the lake in Da Bac district.
The reason is that the rainfall at the beginning of the year is much lower than the average of previous years, combined with water regulation to serve electricity production, daily life and irrigation for agriculture in the downstream.
Many people here hope that in the coming months, when the rainy season enters, the amount of water will recover so that life can return to normal. "When it rains, the lake is full of water, the trees are green and the fish and shrimp are increased, making people less worried," Mr. Minh added.
However, in the immediate future, people still have to adapt to the actual situation. Growing vegetables on newly discovered areas and harvesting firewood from the land has become a supplementary activity for livelihood in this dry season.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Bui Van Ky - Chairman of the People's Committee of Hien Luong commune, Da Bac district said: The water level of the lake has now decreased by more than 30 meters compared to the time the hydropower plant released floodwaters. This seriously affects people's lives and production.
Local authorities have advised people to proactively adapt, use water resources reasonably, and promote supporting economic activities such as growing vegetables in newly discovered areas and properly exploiting available resources.
According to Mr. Ky, when the lake water level drops, traveling by waterway, which is the main means of transport for many households along the lake, is also difficult, even in isolated areas. Some fish farms were also dry, causing exploitation output to decrease sharply.
